Thomas Collins Jones (February 17, 1928 – August 11, 2023) was an American lyricist and librettist, best known for The Fantasticks, 110 in the Shade, and I Do!

He was raised in Coleman, Texas, the son of a turkey farmer (his father William) and a homemaker (his mother Jessie).

[1] During his adolescence, he worked as an usher in a movie theater and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he was involved in its theatre department.

The second half focuses on the practical "how-to" of putting together a musical, using Jones's own career and shows he's worked on as a springboard ...

Since only half the book falls within the category of how-to I'm glad to report that this advice is stick-to-the-ribs solid.