Home

Written by Michael Steen, author of the acclaimed The Lives and Times of the Great Composers, ‘Short Guides to Great Operas’ are concise, informative and entertaining books about opera. His expert knowledge is combined with a light touch that makes each guide accessible and easy to read.

This unique collection contains indispensable reference guides which are packed with useful information and informed opinion for both seasoned opera-goers and those enjoying opera for the first time.

Alongside plot summaries and notes on musical points of interest, he delves into the historical and cultural context, picking out snippets of fascinating information to entertain, amuse and enlighten.

They are the perfect accompaniment to a night with an opera – whether that’s at home, in a cinema or at the opera house.

Reading them will enhance appreciation, enjoyment and discussion. They will help to maximise enjoyment of a great musical experience.

There are individual eGuides for the ‘Top Ten’ most popular operas and compendium eGuides in the series The Great Opera Companion: Short Guides to a Hundred Best Operas.

Also, see Michael’s Oxford and Cambridge Club talk about Self-publishing and Contemporary Production.

125 opera eGuides 125 opera eGuides 125 opera eGuides 125 opera eGuides 125 opera eGuides 125 opera eGuides 125 opera eGuides 125 opera eGuides

Great Operas of Puccini hardback ISBN: 978-0-9955385-7-3
Great Operas of Wagner hardback ISBN: 978-0-9955385-8-0

“Michael Steen’s passion for opera is evident on every page of these remarkable guides. Rich in scholarship and information but always lucid, amusing and easy to navigate, they will provide audiences of all ages and experience with everything they need to enrich their understanding and enjoyment of this great art form.”
Rupert Christiansen, Opera Critic, Daily Telegraph

“Any time you are thinking of going to an opera, be sure to read what Michael Steen has to say about it. Here, as in all his writing, Steen tells us in the most engaging manner all we need to know about the work, the composer and the wider context. Then there are Steen’s illuminating (and often amusing) ‘Talking Points’ – all guaranteed to enhance your pleasure still further.”
Daniel Snowman, author of The Gilded Stage, A Social History of Opera

‘A brilliantly informative Short Guide to a Great Opera’
– The Grange Festival 2017 about Monteverdi’s Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria.