The first and only full-scale and definitive biography of the most important composer-lyricist in musical theater today. Drawing on personal conversations with Sondheim himself, as well as interviews with his friends, family, collaborators, and lovers, Secrest offers new insight into the enigmatic and very private Stephen Sondheim. Here, we learn about his childhood on New York's Upper West Side, his parents' devastating divorce, and his ascent to the peaks of the Broadway musical. Secrest vividly recreates the energy, passion, and despair that went into each beloved show, from Sondheim's fabled collaboration with Hal Prince on "Sweeney Todd" and "A Little Night Music, " to his disagreements with co-lyricist Leonard Bernstein on "West Side Story. " A fascinating and remarkable portrait of the man, the music, and the genius of Stephen Sondheim: star of his own fascinating and unfinished life.