Arts lovers around the world who have not had an opportunity to experience firsthand all that Lincoln Center has to offer on its stages and in its classrooms will now be able to visit their local bookstore — or go online at www.wiley.com — and read all about it. Lincoln Center and Wiley will work together to produce a minimum of 15 books targeted to families, general interest consumers, educators, and performing arts professionals.

The first of these, a history titled Lincoln Center: A Promise Realized, 1979-2006, is due out this month. The book was a particular project of Martin Segal, chairman of Lincoln Center from 1981 to 1986, and June Larkin, who is currently co-chair, with Segal, of Lincoln Center's Emeriti Council. "People invested in the performing arts and cultural institutions — and those working with such programs and organizations — will find it extremely interesting to know specifically what went on in our country's pre-eminent institution of performing arts," says Segal. The book contains fascinating trivia, along with an enormous amount of historical documentation and performance records, in addition to the personal recollections of directors emeriti and other key individuals involved with Lincoln Center over the last 25 years.

Additional books scheduled for release include one on the acclaimed List Art Poster & Print Program, a series of family-focused concert companion books, and works that will draw on Lincoln Center's world-class artists, its archives, and Lincoln Center Institute's educational expertise.

Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons has a vast global distribution network and a demonstrated strength in managing well-known brands. As Lincoln Center approaches its 50th anniversary in 2009, the new partnership opens untapped avenues of international outreach, and new ways to spread the word about LCPA's ongoing transformation.