Opera: The Autobiography of the Western World BookOpera: The Autobiography of the Western World is an expert, visually rich guide that explores how the great operas of history reflect the myths, events and ideas that shaped the modern Western world. Presented as a sweeping chronology told through opera, this compelling book examines why certain myths and historical moments became important at specific times, and why composers returned to them in radically different ways. Through more than 260 colour

and Lauren Cuthbertson and Federico Bonelli are utterly captivating in the title roles

and soprano Maria Agresta as Jacopo’s brave wife Lucrezia

Shostakovich's opera tells the bizarre tale of a man whose nose goes missing and refuses to return

with Sabina Puértolas as the fun-loving Despina and acclaimed German baritone and comic genius Johannes Martin Kränzle as the impresario Don Alfonso

quirky illustrations ideal for young readers

Gregor Samsa: Edward Watson

Dancers: Elizabeth McGorian

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A reproduction of the poster for The Royal Opera's 1989 production of Die Walküre

The pendant features a ballerina in a perfect arabesque

The story starts as an opera in an opera

ISBN: 9781803131955