Books about Der Ring des Nibelungen

"Scrupulous . . . planned and executed with quite unusual care." --Opera

Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen is one of the most influential theatrical works ever written. It is a powerful music-drama on a grand scale, a full appreciation of which depends on an understanding of exactly what is being sung. Wagner's German was deliberately archaic and romantic; until recently, there has

Richard Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung is one of the greatest works of art created in modern times, and has fascinated both critics and devotees for over a century and a half. No recent study has examined the meaning of Wagner's masterpiece with the attention to detail and intellectual power

This is the first literal, word-for-word translation of Wagners epic masterwork with the full German text. It is at once reliable and readable, adhering closely to the original verse form and to Wagners poetic intentions. The German text is given in parallel, and Spencer also contributes illuminating footnotes and an