"Gänzl's prose style makes an enjoyably readable narrative for anyone interested in musical theatrical history of the period." — "This book should be of interest to anyone with a love of theatre history. Obviously Gilbert and Sullivan fans will want it in their collections, but the myriad of information about so many artists in the late nineteenth century, who show up in a large variety of theatre and who interweave with many others who we have heard of, is in itself illuminating. Those who love theatre history should buy this book." — "Kurt Gänzl's knowledge of musical theatre is vast and authoritative … This is a book you can sit down and read from end to end if you feel like it. But, because it contains so many shortish biographical sketches, it is ideal for dipping into." — "Not only important, but utterly fascinating, thoroughly researched, as you would expect from this source, erudite, and a real pleasure to read! In fact what helps make this book so worthwhile is Kurt Gänzl's prose style: informative, intimate, chatty but precise, almost as if he has written the book especially for you: indeed as if he is actually talking to you." —