Musical theater artist and historian Ben West will officially add "author" to his list of modifiers with the upcoming release of his new book The American Musical: Evolution of an Art Form. The book will be released April 1 via Routledge, an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group.

The book traces the musical's creative journey from its 19th-century beginnings to its 21st-century present, shedding new light on a myriad of authors, directors, and craftspeople who worked to create the art form. West also actively addresses the form’s often overlooked female and African-American artists, providing an in-depth accounting of such outside influences as minstrelsy, vaudeville, nightclubs, and burlesque.

West has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. He also created 20 “Timeline Wall” exhibits that can be seen at the Museum of Broadway.

The American Musical is available for pre-order in paperback and eBook wherever books are sold. Hardback copies are available for pre-order for libraries and institutions.