"But He Doesn't Know the Territory"
by Meredith Willson
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Book Summary Information
Author: Meredith WillsonEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-08-28
ISBN: 0816667705
Number of pages: 192
Publisher: Univ Of Minnesota Press
Book Reviews of "But He Doesn't Know the Territory"
Book Review: Straight through read !!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I associate with the reviewer below who mentions that its one of the books he (or she's) ever sat through in one sitting... I'm the same, and I had the same experience... Meredith Wilson's writing is almost Damon Runyonesque... laden with humor, hipsterish, short, punch and very anecdote centered. One gets the impression that this was a person with a love of life and who... loved talking and telling stories. - - The book is also interesting because it goes behind the scenes and shows how a musical comes together and what it feels like to be at the center of the project, especially as the big opening night nears. I also found it interesting because The Music Man along with "Guys and Dolls" and "West Side Story" is "the quintessential Broadway must see musical" of that Golden Age... yet it is so unorthodox - - especially with all the numbers that are half talking, half singing... Also, in my humble opinion, I think that the "book" (to the musical) has some technical problems and think its interesting how the libretto tempted to work its way around it. This book definitely sheds light on it... Its also interesting to hear the writer talk about his interesting concept of having tunes with words that didn't rhyme but fit together... To me, its the brilliance of the show... I always interpreted it as a symbol of how the world is full of music, even in places we least expect it, as well as an allegory of the smooth talking/fast rapping style of the traveling salesman... I also love the line in the play, "Singing is nothing but sustained talking..." -- Meredith Wilson, though, makes it seem like something that was more accidental, less calculated, but something he became obsessed with... He also gives a great lesson in life. -- Though The Music Man would become a success by every means, the book tells of lot's of downs, including almost all the record labels turning it down and a preview story that made him really feel like HE DIDN'T KNOW THE TERRITORY... despite this, he stuck with it, and the more hard knocks he got, the harder he worked... even though it took him almost a decade to finish the project... As a result of this, whenever I feel inspired and am thinking of quitting, I'll definitely think of this book and continue to stick with it.
I am aware that his previous memoir, the book that inspired THE MUSIC MAN has also been put out. I definitely intend to get it.
In conclusion, don't you even think of going to see THE MUSIC MAN, listening tot he soundtrack or even acting it til you've gotten this book !
Summary of "But He Doesn't Know the Territory"
Composer Meredith Willson once described The Music Man as ?an Iowan?s attempt to pay tribute to his home state.? Never once forgetting his roots, Willson reflects on the ups and downs, surprises and disappointments, and finally successes of the making of one of America?s most popular musicals. His whimsical, personable writing style will bring readers back in time with him to the 1950s to experience firsthand the exciting trials and tribulations of creating a Broadway masterpiece. A newfound admiration for The Music Man?and the man behind the music?is sure to follow.
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