The worldwide proliferation of musical theater makes its documentation in a single volume impossible, but Ganzl's Book of Musical Theatre is a most impressive selection from this wealth of material. Companion to the respected Gustav Kobbe's Complete Opera Book (Putnam, 1954; Amer. Biog. Serv., 1987; reprint of 1963 ed.), whose form it follows, it offers information on some 300 musicals from the current world repertoire and many important works that are no longer performed. Each entry includes a show synopsis headed by the details of the show's principal productions. The countries covered are Great Britain, France, the United States, and Spain, with a nod to Austria, Germany, and Hungary; a discography and excellent indexes are included. This is the only source that draws together musicals from more than just America and England. It will become a standard reference source.-- Daniel J. Lombardo, Jones Lib., Inc., Amherst, Mass.