1. The Toughest Show on Earth My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe Joseph and Michener Charles 
Price: USD 20.00
Dealer: Biblio, Janet McAfee
Description: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Date: 2006. Book. Good. Hardcover. Signed by Author(s). 304 p. Includes index, illustrations, bibliography. No jacket. Signed by author.. 2006. Alfred A. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

2. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 7.86
Dealer: Biblio, ThriftBooks
Description: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Date: 2006. Hardcover. Very Good. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed. 2006. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

3. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 7.86
Dealer: Biblio, ThriftBooks
Description: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Date: 2006. Hardcover. Like New. Pages are clean and are not marred by notes or folds of any kind. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed. 2006. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

4. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 7.86
Dealer: Biblio, ThriftBooks
Description: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Date: 2006. Hardcover. Very Good. Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed. 2006. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

5. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe Joseph 
Price: USD 6.01
Dealer: Biblio, Better World Books Ltd
Description: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Used - Very Good. Ships from the UK. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [GB] 

6. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe Joseph 
Price: USD 5.00
Dealer: Biblio, Better World Books
Description: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

7. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe Joseph 
Price: USD 5.87
Dealer: Biblio, Better World Books
Description: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

8. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe Joseph 
Price: USD 13.00
Dealer: Biblio, Priceless Books
Description: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Date: 2006. 304 pages, biblio., index, spine extremities lightly bumped, dj extremities lightly bumped.. 1st. Hb.. VG+/VG+. 2006. Alfred A. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

9. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 5.94
Dealer: Abebooks, Better World Books: West
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group] Hardcover Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. [Reno, NV, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

10. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 5.94
Dealer: Abebooks, Better World Books
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group] Hardcover Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. [Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

11. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 13.00
Dealer: Abebooks, Priceless Books
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, New York] Hardcover First Edition 304 pages, biblio., index, spine extremities lightly bumped, dj extremities lightly bumped. [Urbana, IL, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

12. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 5.55
Dealer: AbebooksUK, Better World Books Ltd
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group] Hardcover Ships from the UK. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. [Dunfermline, United Kingdom] [Publication Year: 2006]  

13. The Toughest Show on Earth : My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 5.71
Dealer: ZVAB, Better World Books
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group] Hardcover Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. [Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

14. The toughest show on earth : my rise and reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph with Charles Michener 
Price: USD 18.00
Dealer: Abebooks, Inkberry Books
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: New York : Knopf, 2006., New York] Hardcover 1 x, 304 p. : ill. ; 25 cm. Includes bibliographical references (p. 304-311) and index. [Niwot, CO, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

15. THE TOUGHEST SHOW ON EARTH
by Joseph Volpe & Charles Michener 
Price: USD 49.95
Dealer: Biblio, Rare Book Cellar
Description: New York: Alfred A Knopf Inc. Date: 2006. First Edition; First Printing. Hardcover. 0307262855 . Near Fine in a Near Fine dust jacket.; 6.5 X 1 X 9.75 inches; 304 pages . 2006. Alfred A Knopf Inc ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

16. The Toughest Show on Earth
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 20.00
Dealer: Biblio, Jerome Yanoff
Description: Signed on the title page in marker; "To Richard. All the best. Joseph Volpe". Dust jacket in good condition. No tears but some edge wear. Not price clipped. No markings or writing in text. No loose or torn pages. Binding is good. Date: 2006. Alfred A. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

17. The Toughest Show on Earth
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 12.99
Dealer: Biblio, Rocking Chair Books
Description: Knopf, Date: 2006. First Edition. Hardback, Dustjacket. Like New, slight wear to cover. 2006. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

18. The Toughest Show on Earth
by Michener Charles 
Price: USD 2.69
Dealer: Biblio, World of Books Ltd
Description: Paperback. Like New. ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [GB] 

19. The Toughest Show on Earth
by Michener Charles 
Price: USD 2.69
Dealer: Biblio, World of Books Ltd
Description: Paperback. Very Good. ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [GB] 

20. The Toughest Show on Earth
by Volpe, Joseph  
Price: USD 2.75
Dealer: AmazonUK, AmazonUK Marketplace
Description: Used - isbn: 0307262855 - isbn13: 9780307262851 Alfred a Knopf Inc  

21. THE TOUGHEST SHOW ON EARTH My Rise and Reign At the Metropolitan Opera
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 39.95
Dealer: Biblio, Rare Book Cellar
Description: New York: Knopf. Date: 2006. First Edition; First Printing. Hardcover. 0307262855 . Near Fine in a Near Fine dust jacket. Jacket creased along the top and spine, security tag on the interior. ; 9.3 X 6.6 X 1.3 inches; 320 pages . 2006. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

22. THE TOUGHEST SHOW ON EARTH My Rise and Reign At the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe Joseph 
Price: USD 38.71
Dealer: Biblio, Rare Book Cellar
Description: New York: Alfred A. Knopf. Date: 2006. First Edition; First Printing. Hardcover. 0307262855 . Very Good in a Very Good price clipped dust jacket. ; ; 9.30 X 6.60 X 1.30 inches; 320 pages . 2006. Alfred A. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

23. The Toughest Show On Earth My Rise And Reign At The Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe Joseph with Charles Michener 
Price: USD 6.00
Dealer: Biblio, Willis Monie Books - ABAA
Description: New York: Alfred A Knopf. Very Good in Very Good dust jacket. Date: 2006. First Edition. Hardcover. 0307262855 . 2006. Alfred A Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

24. The Toughest Show on Earth My Rise and Reign At the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe Joseph 
Price: USD 13.50
Dealer: Biblio, True Oak Books
Description: New York, NY: Knopf. Very Good- in Very Good dust jacket. Date: 2006. First Edition. Hardcover. 0307262855 . Scuff mark (small) to exterior edge of pages. Very Good overall condition otherwise. No other noteworthy defects. No markings.; 6.5 X 1 X 9.75 inches; 320 pages . 2006. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

25. THE TOUGHEST SHOW ON EARTH My Rise and Reign At the Metropolitan Opera
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 39.95
Dealer: Abebooks, Rare Book Cellar
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Knopf, New York] Hardcover First Edition Near Fine in a Near Fine dust jacket. Jacket creased along the top and spine, security tag on the interior. ; 9.3 X 6.6 X 1.3 inches; 320 pages. [Pomona, NY, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

26. THE TOUGHEST SHOW ON EARTH My Rise and Reign At the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 38.71
Dealer: Abebooks, Rare Book Cellar
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, New York] Hardcover First Edition Very Good in a Very Good price clipped dust jacket. ; ; 9.30 X 6.60 X 1.30 inches; 320 pages. [Pomona, NY, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

27. The Toughest Show On Earth My Rise And Reign At The Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph with Charles Michener 
Price: USD 6.00
Dealer: Abebooks, Willis Monie-Books, ABAA
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Alfred A Knopf, New York] Hardcover First Edition [Cooperstown, NY, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

28. The Toughest Show on Earth My Rise and Reign At the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 13.50
Dealer: Abebooks, True Oak Books
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Knopf, New York, NY] Hardcover First Edition Scuff mark (small) to exterior edge of pages. Very Good overall condition otherwise. No other noteworthy defects. No markings.; 6.5 X 1 X 9.75 inches; 320 pages [Highland, NY, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

29. The Toughest Show on Earth My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 39.95
Dealer: Alibris, RARE BOOK CELLAR via Alibris
Description: New York Knopf 2006 First Edition; First Printing Hardcover Near Fine in a Near Fine dust jacket. Jacket creased along the top and spine, security tag on the interior.; 9.3 X 6.6 X 1.3 inches; 320 pages. 

30. The Toughest Show on Earth My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 38.71
Dealer: Alibris, RARE BOOK CELLAR via Alibris
Description: New York Alfred A. Knopf 2006 First Edition; First Printing Hardcover Very Good in a Very Good price clipped dust jacket.; 9.30 X 6.60 X 1.30 inches; 320 pages. 

31. The Toughest Show on Earth My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 9.50
Dealer: Alibris, True Oak Books via Alibris
Description: New York, NY Knopf 2006 First Edition Hardcover Very Good-in Very Good dust jacket 0307262855. Scuff mark (small) to exterior edge of pages. Very Good overall condition otherwise. No other noteworthy defects. No markings.; 6.5 X 1 X 9.75 inches; 320 pages. 

32. THE TOUGHEST SHOW ON EARTH, My Rise and reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by VOLPE JOSEPH, MICHENER CHARLES 
Price: USD 28.47
Dealer: AbebooksFR, Le-Livre
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Alfred A. Knopf] Hardcover RO60142742: 2006. In-8. Relié. Bon état, Couv. convenable, Dos satisfaisant, Intérieur frais. 304 pages. Annotations en page de garde (ex-dono). Jaquette en partie insolée (dos). Avec Jaquette. . . Classification Dewey : 420-Langue anglaise. Anglo-saxon [SABLONS, France] [Publication Year: 2006]  

33. THE TOUGHEST SHOW ON EARTH, My Rise and reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by VOLPE JOSEPH, MICHENER CHARLES 
Price: USD 25.80
Dealer: ZVAB, Le-Livre
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Alfred A. Knopf] Hardcover RO60142742: 2006. In-8. Relié. Bon état, Couv. convenable, Dos satisfaisant, Intérieur frais. 304 pages. Annotations en page de garde (ex-dono). Jaquette en partie insolée (dos). Avec Jaquette. . . Classification Dewey : 420-Langue anglaise. Anglo-saxon [SABLONS, France] [Publication Year: 2006]  

34. The Toughest Show on Earth, My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph And Michener, Charles 
Price: USD 20.00
Dealer: Alibris, Janet McAfee via Alibris
Description: New York Alfred A. Knopf 2006 Hardcover Good Book. Signed by Author(s) 304 p. Includes index, illustrations, bibliography. No jacket. Signed by author. 

35. The Toughest Show on Earth, My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe, Joseph and Michener, Charles 
Price: USD 20.00
Dealer: Abebooks, Janet McAfee
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, New York] Hardcover 304 p. Includes index, illustrations, bibliography. No jacket. Signed by author. [Travelers Rest, SC, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

36. THE TOUGHEST SHOW ON EARTH: MY R
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 57.94
Dealer: Abebooks, BennettBooksLtd
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Knopf] Hardcover New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! 1.34 [North Las Vegas, NV, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

37. The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera (Association Copy, Inscribed)
by Volpe, Joseph with Charles Michener 
Price: USD 25.25
Dealer: Abebooks, Theoria Books
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Alfred a Knopf Inc, New York] Hardcover First Edition 304 pp. , x. Stated: "First Edition" with no printings or number line cited; same date. Many black and white photo-illustrations. Following Preface and Acknowledgments, Contents divided into 21 Chapters in two Parts: Part One: THE APPRENTICE (1) " ' Be Patient ' "; (2) "King Farouk"; (3) "Always on the Go"; (4) "A Box at the Metropolitan"; (5) "Too Many Clouds"; (6) " ' Can You Handle the Job? ' "; (7) "A Man of the Theater"; (8) "From the Water to the Bridge"; (9) "Texas Grit"; (10) "The Turnaround Man"; Part Two: THE BOSS (11) "Breathing with Jimmy"; (12) "Battle Hymn"; (13) "The New Prima Donnas"; (14) "The Playground"; (15) "Siamese Twins"; (16) "The Trapeze Artists"; (17) "No Light in the Tunnel"; (18) "The Club"; (19) " The New Class"; (20) "At Home"; (21) "The angel"; Bibliography p. 287; Index, pp. 289-304. Glossy dustwrapper not price-clipped ($23.95) with full front cover color photo-portrait of Volpe, in suit and tie, wearing "tough guy" expression, looking toward reader; embossed white Title lettering, Subtitle and Author name lettering on lower half front cover; miniscule tip wear at rear cover corners, else As New. Book itself: Black, finely textured boards with brilliant gilt lettering on spine; Deckle Fore-edge. Strong binding (NO cracks); sharp corners (NO bumps or curls); NO rubbing wear; NO remainder marks. Clean text. Looks little read, if at all. Inscribed and Signed, reasonably inferred, by "Jean" [Author's first Wife and mother of "Michael"] ": "To ---[and] ---/ To nurture a love + remind of a special time with family and friends. . ./ Jean [Volpe] [and] Michael [Volpe] ["family"] / Jillee [?] [and] Mark ["friends"]. . . /Boston 2006" [This is when Joseph officially left the MET and this book was first published]. Solid copy, Collectible. [Andover, MA, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

38. The TOUGHEST SHOW on EARTH: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera (SIGNED)
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 50.00
Dealer: Abebooks, virtualrarities
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Knopf] Hardcover First Edition Knopf. NY. 2006. SIGNED First Edition Hardcover- black cloth w/ intact gilt on spine- in FINE Condition in FINE clipped Dustjacket. SIGNED on title page w/ bold signature. NOT personalized or inscribed. Other than author's signature, INTERIOR PRISTINE: clean, tight, bright. An unread copy. Round Autographed Copy sticker on front cover. Suitable for gifting or collection. Carefully shipped. [San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

39. The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera (Signed)
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 20.95
Dealer: Alibris, Sequitur Books via Alibris
Description: Knopf 2006-05-02 Hardcover Like New Size: 7x5x0; Inscribed by author. Hardcover and dust jacket. Good binding and cover. Clean, unmarked pages. *Autographed by author. * 

40. The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera (Signed)
by Volpe, Joseph 
Price: USD 20.95
Dealer: Abebooks, Sequitur Books
Description: ISBN10: 0307262855, ISBN13: 9780307262851, [publisher: Knopf] Hardcover Inscribed by author. Hardcover and dust jacket. Good binding and cover. Clean, unmarked pages. *Autographed by author.* [Boonsboro, MD, U.S.A.] [Publication Year: 2006]  

41. THE TOUGHEST SHOW ON EARTH: MY RISE AND REIGN AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA
by Joseph Volpe Charles Michener 
Price: USD 39.95
Dealer: Biblio, Rare Book Cellar
Description: New York: Alfred A. Knopf Inc. Date: 2006. First Edition; First Printing. Hardcover. 0307262855 . Fine in a Fine dust jacket. ; 6.5 X 1 X 9.75 inches; 304 pages . 2006. Alfred A. Knopf Inc ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

42. THE TOUGHEST SHOW ON EARTH: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Joseph Volpe with Charles Michener 
Price: USD 15.00
Dealer: Biblio, Kubik Fine Books Ltd, ABAA
Description: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Date: 2006. First Edition, First Printing. Hardcover. Very Good. 304p. A hardcover book in fine condition with a near-fine dustjacket. The book is clean and tight. the jacket is fully intact, with just a few very faint water spots near the top of the front panel. 2006. Alfred A. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

43. The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 3.27
Dealer: Biblio, BookHolders
Description: Good. [ No Hassle 30 Day Returns ][ Ships Daily ] [ Underlining/Highlighting: NONE ] [ Writing: SOME ] ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

44. The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 7.88
Dealer: Biblio, Ergodebooks
Description: Knopf, Date: 2006-05-02. Hardcover. Good. 2006. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

45. The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 24.12
Dealer: Biblio, Ergodebooks
Description: Knopf, Date: 2006-05-02. Hardcover. Used:Good. 2006. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

46. The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Joseph Volpe 
Price: USD 5.99
Dealer: Biblio, Firefly Bookstore LLC
Description: Knopf, May Date: 2006. Hardcover . Used Good. We carry new and used books in our storefront. We want you to be satisfied with your purchase. Please contact us if you have questions regarding this item. 2006. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

47. The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by VOLPE Joseph 
Price: USD 30.00
Dealer: Biblio, Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts, ABAA
Description: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Date: 2006. Hardcover. Small 4to. Black cloth with gilt spine lettering, pictorial dust jacket. x, 304pp. Illustrations. Near fine/fine. Superb, tight first edition of this memoir by the fifteenth general manager of the Metropolitan Opera (1990-2006) -- handsomely signed and inscribed by him in black ballpoint on the title page: "To Mario / All the best / Joseph Volpe. 2006. Alfred A. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

48. The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe Joseph & Charles Michener 
Price: USD 4.85
Dealer: Biblio, Jeff Stark
Description: Alfred A. Knopf. First edition stated on copyright page. Fine with no wear or markings in a near fine jacket due to a neat price clip of the publisher price on the inside flap. . Fine. Hardcover. 1st Edition. Date: 2006. 2006. Alfred A. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

49. The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe Joseph 
Price: USD 7.00
Dealer: Biblio, Burke's Book Store
Description: Knopf, Date: 2006. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good/Near Fine. Minor foxing to top edge, else tight and clean. DJ shows scratches to rear. 2006. Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [US] 

50. The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera
by Volpe Joseph 
Price: USD 4.13
Dealer: Biblio, Graham Toms Fine & Rare Books
Description: Alfred a Knopf, Date: 2006 "An anecdote-filled behind-the-scenes look at more than forty years of the highlights, successes, and day-to-day inner workings - all about productions, the divas, and backstage dramas - of New York's Metropolitan Opera House, by Joseph Volpe, the only general manager to have risen through the ranks.". "This book is the story of Volpe's years leading up to those at the Met, from his first job as a stagehand at the Morosco Theater to the odd jobs he picked up moonlighting: setting up a searchlight or laying down a red carpet for a movie premiere, changing titles on the marquees at the Astor, Victor, and Paramount theaters. It is his Met years - from apprentice carpenter to general manager - that give us a story about New York and the business of culture. Volpe looks at the Met today, an institution full of vast egos and complicated politics, as well as its glittering past - the old Met at Thirty-ninth and Broadway, and the political and artistic intrigues that exploded around its move to Lincoln Center. With candor, he writes about the general managers he worked under, including Rudolf Bing and Anthony Bliss; his own embattled rise to the top; the maneuverings of the blue-chip board; his bad-cop, good-cop collaboration with the conductor James Levine; and his masterful approach to making a family of such highly charged artist-stars as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Teresa Stratas, and Renee Fleming, and such visionary directors as Franco Zeffirelli, Robert Wilson, and Julie Taymor."--BOOK JACKETx, 304 p. : ill. ; 24 cm. PART ONE The Apprentice 1 "Be Patient" 3 2 Always on the Go 8 3 King Farouk 23 4 A Box at the Metropolitan 28 5 Too Many Clouds 38 6 "Can You Handle the .ob?" 50 7 A Man of the Theater 66 8 From the Water to the Bridge 82 9 Texas Grit 96 10 The Turnaround Man 103 PART TWO The Boss 11 Breathing with Jimmy 121 12 Battle Hymn 132 13 The New Prima Donnas 151 14 The Playground 173 15 Siamese Twins 190 16 The Trapeze Artists 209 17 No Light in the Tunnel 230 18 The Club 247 19 The New Class 259 20 At Home 267 21 The Angel 277 2006. Alfred a Knopf ISBN 0307262855 9780307262851 [AU]