Michael Hurd sets out to answer some of the many questions that may occur to those who are beginning to take an interest in opera. How operas are prepared for performance ; how the composer sets about writing one; what the opera singer’s life is like – these are amongst the many questions the Michael Hurd discusses in the first part of the book. The remainder is devoted to a brief, but comprehensive history of opera.

hardback – first edition – with discolouration to the dust jacket – otherwise in reasonable condition in view of its age (1963)