This is essentially the entry on Wagner from The New Grove, expanded with additional biographical material by John Deathridge and issued as a very handy little stand-alone reference book for those of us who can't quite justify shelf space for a full set of the parent encyclopaedia. Everything you really need to know about Wagner condensed into 226 pages, including a short biography, a critical appreciation of his prose writings and his major musical works, and extensive tables of works and publications. The bibliography of secondary sources probably wouldn't be much use for a serious student, as it's almost thirty years since it was compiled, but there's plenty there to get a non-specialist started. ( )

embossed seal of previous owner on first page, otherwise perfect copy ( )