Wagner Handbook

Rating:
Summary: A very fine overview of most important aspects of Wagner.
Review: This book provides an excellent one-volume treatment of most of the major aspects of Wagner's work, and the influence he had and continues to have. The essays are by recognized authorities, and provide a generally balanced view. Particularly good is the essay on his complicated attitude towards Judaism, and the several essays which deal with his influence outside of the strictly musical sphere. The only thing missing is a biographical overview. For one who is interested in having more information about Wagner than what is available in Grove or Grout, this book, along with Gutman's biography, will provide a very fine introduction to Wagner.

Rating:
Summary: A very fine overview of most important aspects of Wagner.
Review: This book provides an excellent one-volume treatment of most of the major aspects of Wagner's work, and the influence he had and continues to have. The essays are by recognized authorities, and provide a generally balanced view. Particularly good is the essay on his complicated attitude towards Judaism, and the several essays which deal with his influence outside of the strictly musical sphere. The only thing missing is a biographical overview. For one who is interested in having more information about Wagner than what is available in Grove or Grout, this book, along with Gutman's biography, will provide a very fine introduction to Wagner.