THE HISTORY OF OPERA FOR BEGINNERS is an illuminating book that starts with the radical assumption that opera is simply music, rather than the highbrow, inaccessible art form that many assume it to be. Not fluent in German or Italian? No worries—author Ron David explains the differences between Italian and German Opera and why you don't have to study a new language to enjoy it. THE HISTORY OF OPERA FOR BEGINNERS is the ideal introduction into the beautiful poetics of opera. Written in short, humorous, and informative chapters, this guide is laced with some of the opera world's juiciest anecdotes, and is sure to make anyone a true believer in the art form.