The sound of music companion - Laurence Maslon

The definitive book on the world's most beloved musical. The 'Sound of Music Companion' charts the incredible and enduring story of Maria Von Trapp and her story over the last hundred years - from Maria's birth in Vienna to Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End production in 2006.

The book details every step in the evolution of this masterwork from real-life to page to stage to film to international phenomenon. It profiles every creative artist who has helped to shape the musical version of the Von Trapp Family story - from Rodgers and Hammerstein and Mary Martin to Robert Wise, Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer and the winner of the "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" competition on the BBC, Connie Fisher. Folded into the saga are guest appearances by Petula Clark, Carol Burnett, John Coltrane and Noel Coward.

Included are more than 170 pictures, many never seen before, in addition to:

• Complete lyrics to a dozen songs
• Rare manuscript pages from the pens of Rodgers and Hammerstein
• A map of Salzburg and the film's locations
• Unseen storyboards from the film
• Updates on the Sing-A-Long phenomenon.