For those familiar with Ganzl's Book of the Musical Theatre (LJ 4/15/89) or The British Musical Theatre (Oxford Univ. Pr., 1987), this is a much-anticipated work. Ganzl has admittedly (and wisely) avoided attempting a comprehensive study; there are, for instance, entries for operettas but not operas. Originally intended as a single volume, this two-volume set includes nearly 3000 articles on the most productive people and the most produced works throughout most of the world for the last 150 years. Biographical articles are quite complete, some running to two pages and more, and include exhaustive lists of works written or performed. Articles on specific works include plot summaries and information on performers and production places, dates, and details. An extremely useful work; highly recommended for most libraries with theater collections.
