Customer Reviews

Complete Phantom of the Opera

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a hardcore Phantom fan, I am always looking for more information on the play. I came across this amazing book in the public library in my town and was amazed at the detail. There was so much that I didn't already know, and I knew a lot. I wanted to keep on renewing the book and never give it back but a good friend of mine, who is also very adamant about Phantom, went searching for this book that I wouldn't shut up about and bought me a copy. I love it. It includes info on the opera house, Gaston Leroux(the author of the novel on which Andrew Lloyd Webber's play is based), the story behind the novel, Lon Chaney's film, other versions of the film and other plays, Andrew Lloyd Webber's version, and the Libretto. This is the most complete and well written book on the play I've come across. George Perry reveals the intricacies of the production from make-up to costumes to set to everything. I consider this a valuable part of my Phantom collection and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes this play or theater in general. It rocks!

Amazing, interesting and informative are just a few of the words that discribe this excellent book!
It starts out with a history of the Paris Opera House, along with beautiful pictures. It discribes how life was in the 1880's, and what people would regularly do at the Opera. It also is about Gaston Leroux, who wrote the Phantom novel.
Part Two is about the Lon Chaney Phantom film and other film versions of the story.
And last but not least it how the Andrew Lloyd Webber version came to light, with rare backstage photos and conversations with the production crew and cast.
In short, a definite MUST for all Phans, makes an excellent gift.

Believe it or not, the first time I read this book was when I was 8 years old, and it has been my favorite book ever since. I've have read many great books that were hard to put down, but this was the only one I actually couldn't put down! Most people are only familiar with the play and the movie; I have seen Phantom of the Opera on broadway twice, but I still prefer the book. The book goes into so much more detail and reveals so many parts of the story that both the play and the movie leave out. If you are planing on seeing the play, I highly recommend that you read this first. If you already have seen it, or are never go to see it, I still highly recommend that you read this; it's great!

This book is phenomenal! The information never ends! It details the opera house in Paris where this who story was supposed to take place. There is alot of information on the early movie forms of the story, including those who acted in them, as well as Gaston Leroux's book form. The bulk of the book is about Andrew Lloyd Webber though. There are so many pictures and stories about each of the characters, and the important peopel behind the scenes of the stage! This is a wonderful book whom anyone, Phantom fan or not is sure to enjoy!

A "must have" for any fan or collector of The Phantom of the Opera. This is absolutely a wonderful coffee table book. I saw the opera in Canada and was thoroughly interested in all this book offered -- the history of the real novel, Andrew Lloyd Webber's work in bringing it to stage, and the full opera script. Reading Leroux's novel was insightful too. This has got to become valuable with the closing of the Phantom in Toronto.

George Perry did an excellent job putting together the history of the Paris Opera house, Gaston Leroux, and the story of the Phantom. This book was an integral source in my review of the book and in depth analysis of Leroux's writing style and the novel itself.

The vivid images are inspiring to poets and writers, and the full libretto is a nice touch in the rear of the book.

I recommend this book for anyone seeking further information about the tale, the author, or the opera house.

This book is a comprehensive guide to all aspects of Phantom. Starting with the Paris Opera House, Gaston Leroux, and the early movie versions, it works up to the different interpretations and the ALW musical. It has tons of color pictures and a libretto to the ALW musical in the back. A must have!

Today, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber is noted throughout the world as the most successful composer of our time. Creations such as 'Cats', 'Aspects of Love', 'Sunset Boulevard', 'Evita' and so many more, but one always shines above the rest 'The Phantom of the Opera' hit the world in the 80's and has transformed the way we view today - Musical Theatre. This sensational book, provokes your senses and makes you wonder more and more about the mystical Phantom under the great Paris Opera. This book will intoxicate in a sensual way the way you view Musical Theatre and it's powers. The Complete Phantom of the Opera was a complete sensation and a stunning idea.

The story of the Phantom drew me like a moth to flame. I definitely, definitely reccommend this book. It's the art of horror and love in the highest. It's thought-provoking and glorious. Christine, played by the beautiful Sarah Brightman is portrayed mysteriously and purely. The Phantom, my personal favorite, played by Michael Crawford, is a true triumph.

After I saw the show at the Pantages in LA, I knew that I would have to find out more about the original novel and previously performed versions of the show. This has got to be the most complete source in the world for fans and fanatics alike. I downloaded the soundtrack and compared it to the liberetto and not only are all of the sung lines in bold but so are the spoken lines that appear on the soundtrack. this book is the BEST!!!