Instruct: Classify a review as either positive or negative.
Query: Terrific biography of a supremely gifted artist.

Meryle Secrest's book is one of a kind (so far): a story of Stephen Sondheim, the man, rather than simply Stephen Sondheim, the artist. No other book has attempted to do this, and Secrest does a fine job. This book is an absolute feast for Sondheim fans, because the Great Man himself reveals several illuminating insights into his own life, conflicted personality and peerless work. I read the other reviews here at Amazon, and people seem to be missing the point--this isn't a critical biography, but a personal one. And it is one of the very best books written about this enigmatic, thoroughly fascinating man.