6W A Musical Play in two acts based on Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw, adaption and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, illustrated by Cecil Beaton. London: Max Reinhardt, 1959 UK 5th printing, Description My Fair Lady is a celebrated musical that premiered on Broadway in 1956, with music by Frederick Loewe and book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion. The story follows Professor Henry Higgins, a brilliant but arrogant phonetics expert, who wagers that he can transform Eliza Doolittle—a humble Cockney flower girl with a strong accent—into a refined lady who can pass in high society. Through witty dialogue, memorable songs such as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” and “The Rain in Spain,” and a blend of humor and social commentary, the musical explores class, identity, and the complexities of personal transformation. Its success on stage led to the acclaimed 1964 film adaptation starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, cementing My Fair Lady as one of the most enduring and beloved works in the musical theatre canon. Notes Buttercream with red image of Eliza Doolittle on front cover, red tooling on spine, dust jacket, very fine condition.
