An Ideal Biography
Richard Wagner
His Life and His Dramas
A Biographical Study of the Man and an
Explanation of His Work
By
W.J. Henderson
Author of “The Story of Music,” “Preludes and Studies,”
“What Is Good Music,” etc.
The purpose of this book is to supply Wagner-lovers with a single work which shall meet all their needs. The author has told the story of Wagner's life, explained his artistic aims, given the history of each of his great works, examined its literary sources, shown how Wagner utilized them, surveyed the musical plan of each drama, and set forth the meaning and purpose of its principal ideas. The volume has been prepared with great care and no little labor, and is not intended to be critical, but is designed to be expository. It aims to help the Wagner-lover to a thorough knowledge and understanding of the man and his works.