Lin-Manuel Miranda - by Daniel Pollack-Pelzner (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

An intimate and captivating exploration of Lin-Manuel Miranda's artistic journey, revealing how the creator of the Broadway musicals Hamilton and In the Heights found his unique voice through bold collaborations and a seamless blend of cultures, redefining the world of musical theater.

How did Lin-Manuel Miranda, the sweet, sensitive son of Puerto Rican parents from an immigrant neighborhood in Manhattan, rise to become the preeminent musical storyteller of the 21st century? Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist offers a compelling narrative that traces Miranda's path from a friendly but often isolated child to the winner of multiple Tonys and Grammys for his Broadway hits Hamilton and In the Heights, a global chart-topping sensation for his songs in Disney's Moana and Encanto, and the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Genius Grant.

Miranda's journey is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and cultural synthesis. Despite not being a musical prodigy, Miranda's insatiable drive to create art and learn from those around him propelled him to synthesize his Latino heritage with the pop, hip-hop, and Broadway musical styles of New York City. The unique blend allowed him to craft a new way of telling American stories.

Drawing on over 150 interviews with Miranda's family, friends, and mentors, including insights from Miranda himself, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner delves into the formative experiences that shaped Miranda's artistic vision. From his early musicals in high school and college to the creation of his professional masterpieces, this book reveals the sources of Miranda's creativity--not only as innate genius, but also as a result of exceptional openness and collaboration. With full access to Miranda's inner circle, this behind-the-scenes origin story is sure to captivate his legions of fans and beyond.

Review Quotes

"This compelling biography provides a profound and inspiring glimpse into the life and creative evolution of Lin-Manuel Miranda, one of the most influential figures in contemporary entertainment. From his early childhood to his rise as a cultural icon, the book captures not just the milestones of his career but the heart, hustle, and humanity behind them. A rich and engaging read for both fans and creatives."
--Library Journal (Starred Review)

"An insightful look into Miranda's complex, magpie mind and phenomenal success."
--Booklist (Starred Review)

"An enthralling portrait of an artist whose genius has captivated the world."
--Kirkus (Starred Review)

"This insightful biography of the most life enhancing musical theatre figure of his generation is essential reading, and not just for theatre nuts. I couldn't put it down."
--Andrew Lloyd Webber

"I would hear about this little boy who displayed immense passion and curiosity about our animated musicals, along with every other interesting and creative thing that crossed his path. And decades later, I watched him become the unstoppable force behind a new generation of classics as a composer, lyricist, actor, director and producer; and as one of our most brilliant and important artistic voices. It's a pleasure to see Lin's journey reflected in this deeply researched book."
--Alan Menken

"A valuable, comprehensive look at an artist who keeps coming of age, growing with every project. Pollack-Pelzner pulls back the curtain on one of the great, exuberant creative minds of our time. Lin-Manuel's work has expanded our national spirit; his collaborative and creative processes--revealed in captivating close-up here--will blow you away."
--Quiara Alegría Hudes, Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama

"'Genius' is not a word I use lightly or frequently, but it is the only way I can describe Lin-Manuel Miranda. His combination of creativity and craft is astonishing, and this book, which gives fascinating insights into how he got there, is invaluable to anyone who cares about the art of musical theatre."
--Stephen Schwartz, Grammy and Oscar Award-winning lyricist and composer of "Wicked"

"An inspired and inspiring account of the making of one of America's great artists, one that flips on its head the old saying that 'poets are born, not made.' It's a must read for any aspiring artist--and for anyone interested in creativity, collaboration, and the making of masterpieces like Hamilton."
--James Shapiro, author of A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare: 1599

"I witnessed Lin-Manuel's brilliance performing opposite him in Hamilton every night, and I always wondered where his genius came from. This book reveals his fascinating origin story. It's more than a gripping biography; it's a creative handbook for anyone who wants to innovate, to collaborate, to synthesize their influences into something new."
--Leslie Odom, Jr., Tony and Grammy Award winner

"It's a revelatory tell-all! But there is so much gold here, I had to put down the popcorn and start taking notes. At one point, I was crying reading the part I thought I knew, because there was so much to learn. The life lessons here demystify more than how to make a masterpiece; they teach us how to live. May the origin story of all our heroes be told in this way!"
--Renée Elise Goldsberry, Tony and Grammy Award winner

"Everyone knows Lin-Manuel Miranda the icon. This book introduces you to Lin the kid, the collaborator, the relentless tinkerer who never stopped learning. It's a reminder that great art doesn't come fully formed. It's messy. It's joyful. It's made in basements and buses and borrowed pianos. If you've ever been inspired by his work, you owe it to yourself to read the story behind it. This is the mixtape of how it all began."
--Jon M. Chu, director, Wicked and Crazy Rich Asians

About the Author

Daniel Pollack-Pelzner has written about theater and contemporary culture for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. Born and raised in Oregon, he teaches theater history at Portland State University and is the scholar-in-residence at the Portland Shakespeare Project. He lives in Portland with his wife, whom he met in a fifth-grade production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, and their two children.