Letters of Frank Loesser

Dominic Broomfield-McHugh is professor of musicology at the University of Sheffield and a leading authority on Broadway. Cliff Eisen is professor emeritus of music history at King’s College London and one of the major Mozart scholars of his generation.

“A continuous pleasure . . . edited with a delicate touch.”—Christopher Bray, The Oldie“This meticulously-edited collection provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of one of Broadway's greatest songwriters, giving readers insight into Loesser's mind, his personal and professional life, and his creative legacy.”—Hannah Lewis, author of Voicing the Cinema“Frank Loesser spoke for the common man. He turned the language of the man on the streets of New York into pure poetry. This wonderful collection of letters reveals the man behind the music.”—Larry Blank, Broadway orchestrator and conductor“My father once was given a present from the cast of The Most Happy Fella—a silver box, engraved ‘to Frank: God, genius, and monster.’ That just begins to reveal who he was, complicated, super creative and an outsized personality. All this and more is abundantly clear from these fascinating letters, a tribute not only to Frank Loesser but to the inner workings of Broadway.”—Susan Loesser, author of A Most Remarkable Fella“Broomfield-McHugh and Eisen’s beautifully arranged and annotated volume guides the reader through a rich life, well lived. Beyond Frank Loesser the songwriter, we meet a dedicated mentor, a shrewd businessman, an honest critic, and a sometimes-acerbic wit. An essential reference work for anyone interested in the mid-century musical.”—Julianne Lindberg, author of Pal Joey: The History of a Heel