A book about operas??????? Help needed.

[Mistletroll]

One of my relatives always throws me a curve ball Christmas request. Every year I feel like Anneka Rice on Treasure Hunt or like I've just been selected on The Crystal Maze whenever I have to start hunting these presents down.

This year my challenge is:

"I'd like a book about Operas. You know where they tell you what the story is about and what the songs mean so that when you then go onto listen to the music or go to the opera, you know what is going on".

Help....

P.s. This person is never going to go to an opera in person.

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1405312793/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_qP6QFbWCWCC2Q

Have a look on Amazon, this one might do? There are others

Hmmm. That's surprisingly challenging actually, OP! Opera is a big topic and as far as I can see it's quite hard to find a middle path between 'Opera for Dummies' (there is such a book) and Kobbé's guide to opera (a pretty solid reference tome).

Possibly Faber's guide to opera would be a good, useful introduction, with synopses?

Just noticed another one called '100 Great Operas and Their Stories' - no idea what it's like as there's no 'look inside' on Amazon but that might be worth a punt too.

My mum has The Rough Guide to Opera, like the travel guide series. She uses it a lot. She's been watching the Met Opera live streams (new one every day, and they're free) and she'll always consult the book beforehand for the background

Thanks, some great ideas.

I did google a little, but then lost the will to live as I have so much other stuff on my plate right now.

I find some peoples requests at Christmas really annoying as it is mostly from people who need nothing and have to dig really deep to find something they want.

Bah humbug aside, I really appreciate the responses. I can definitely cross this off my long list of things to do from your recommendations.

Second vote for The Rough Guide. I got mine 4 years ago and have found it very clear and well written. I’ve done about 15 operas at this stage and it’s been very useful.

www.amazon.co.uk/Opera-Eyewitness-Companions-Alan-Riding/dp/1405312793/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&s=books&keywords=DK+opera&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1605087928&sr=1-1

Has anyone suggested this one? Love DK guides. Looks like it covers everything and then some.