The end of the nineteenth century—the rich have great interest in the occult; tables dance everywhere, and ghosts speak in many a darkened room.

It portrays the existential struggles and downfall of an entire people, the Burgundians, in a military conflict with the Huns and their king."--Jacket.

The Eisner Award-winning series, finally collected in one volume, presents one of the grandest stories of Western civilisation, one of the most explosive epics in the history of comics. Giants plot against gods, who in turn tear human lovers apart, the lives of great warriors are ruined and countless people are slain in the name of love and gold. This re-telling of the Ring Cycle marks a new high point in the career of this true artist's artist, and features a lavish index of production notes, sketches and commmentaries.

The Nibelungenlied, has been regarded as significant work throughout human history, and in order to ensure that this work is never lost, we have taken steps to ensure its preservation by republishing this book in a contemporary format for both current and future generations. This entire book has been retyped, redesigned, and reformatted. Since these books are not made from scanned copies, the text is readable and clear.

This accessible text guides novice and seasoned opera listeners alike through Richard Wagner's renowned Ring cycle. To aid in understanding this complex and often contradictory work, a modern-day prose translation of its four component operas is provided, as is an explanation of "The Nibelung's Ring's mythological background, Wagner's creative process, and the ideas conveyed throughout each component. A section reviewing its numerous musical themes and how they bind the cycle together musically is also included. Rarely seen lithographs by artist Hugo Braune illustrate the story.

First Published in 2002. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Richard Wagner’s magnum opus meets the celebrated translator of Jules Verne novels in this colorful and original work. Frederick Paul Walter makes The Valkyrie accessible not only to scholars and opera buffs but also to fans of Tolkien, Star Wars, and Hogwarts through a dazzling new translation in lively modern English and annotations that spotlight the libretto, lyrics, and stage directions. The translation conveys Wagner’s humor, rhymes, alliterative effects, subliminal messages, and inventive tale spinning, plus it also gets the most basic ingredient right: the actual story! It highlights the motives, secrets, and plot twists—what’s really going on and what its narrative shows. The Annotated Ring Cycle includes newly created graphic-novel style illustrations that visually represent the storyline alongside full color photos of classic artwork by Arthur Rackham, Howard Pyle, Aubrey Beardsley, the 1876 costume and set designs, and much more.

Richard Wagner's magnum opus, 'The Ring of the Nibelung (Illustrated Edition)', is a monumental four-part opera that weaves together Norse mythology and Germanic folklore in a tale of power, love, and destiny. Wagner's intricate libretto and masterful composition intertwine themes of greed, redemption, and the struggle for ultimate power, creating a rich tapestry of sound and story that has captivated audiences for generations. The lush orchestration and complex character development make this work a true masterpiece of the Romantic opera genre. The illustrated edition enhances the reading experience by providing vivid visual representations of Wagner's mythical world. Richard Wagner, known for his innovative approach to opera and his groundbreaking theories on music drama, drew inspiration from ancient mythologies and medieval legends to create 'The Ring of the Nibelung'. His deep interest in philosophy and his revolutionary ideas on music as a dramatic force are evident in the epic scale and emotional depth of this work. Fans of opera, mythology, and classical music will be enraptured by Richard Wagner's 'The Ring of the Nibelung (Illustrated Edition)'. This definitive edition brings to life Wagner's vision of a world filled with gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and immersive literary experience.

"Scrupulous . . . planned and executed with quite unusual care." —Opera There has long been a need for a modern English translation of Wagner's Ring—a version that is reliable and readable yet at the same time is a true reflection of the literary quality of the German libretto. This acclaimed translation, which follows the verse form of the original exactly, fills that niche. It reads smoothly and idiomatically, yet is the result of prolonged thought and deep background knowledge. The translation is accompanied by Stewart Spencer's introductory essay on the libretto and a series of specially commissioned texts by Barry Millington, Roger Hollinrake, Elizabeth Magee and Warren Darcy that discuss the cycle's musical structure, philosophical implications, medieval sources and Wagner's own changing attitude to its meaning. With a glossary of names, a review of audio and video recordings, and a select bibliography, the book is an essential complement to Wagner's great epic.