Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Clive Hirschhorn's Copy of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Something familiar: the 1963 book version of the Broadway musical "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." 


Something peculiar: that book signed by composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim and by Larry Gelbart, who wrote the book with Burt Shevelove. Gelbart inscribed the book to London theater critic Clive Hirschhorn on behalf of Shevelove and himself. Sondheim signed his autograph. It's quite a rarity, but maybe peculiar isn't the right word.

The cover illustration is not by Al Hirschfeld, who has one interior illustration, but by Rudy Nappi, best know for his Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew book covers. Here Zero Mostel looks nothing like a boy detective but he seems to have found what he was looking for.




This very desirable book was priced at $975 back on May 24.


Since then, the booksellers, Lakin & Marley, have reconsidered the price. It now goes for an even $1,200.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
AbeBooks listing accessed July 1, 2024


A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
AbeBooks item description


"Comedy Tonight"




04678

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