With four famous operas each from Mozart Verdi & Puccini & two each from Rossini & Donizetti there is a feast of information. Here are short guides to The Marriage of Figaro & Don Giovanni; to the splendour of Aida the heart-breaking La Traviata; the drama of Tosca. The range is very broad. There is Wagners great love story Tristan und Isolde; there is Johann Strausss light comedy Die Fledermaus. On the way you can be briefed about such favourites as Handels Giulio Cesare Bizets Carmen Gounods Faust Tchaikovskys Eugene Onegin & Brittens Peter Grimes. With plot summaries composer biographies observations on musical points of interest & background on the historical & cultural context of each opera every one of these guides will enhance your appreciation & enjoyment & help you discuss the work & the performance with your fellow opera-goers. Steen shares his expert knowledge with a lightness of touch that makes each guide a pleasure to read. Witty informative & beautifully presented Great Operas is an indispensable reference guide for both seasoned opera-goers & those enjoying opera for the first time.