The New Grove name is one of the most prestigious imprints of music reference books in the world. Already the publisher of The New Grove Book of Operas, St. Martin's is now making these exhaustive volumes on Verdi and Wagner and their operas available in two beautiful packages at an affordable price.The books have been written from renowned authorities from around the world, and are illustrated with music examples and halftones. Each begins with an introduction by Stanley Sadie and offers: -- a chronology which situates the operas in the wider context of the composer's career-- a survey of the composer's life and operas-- synopses and expert appreciations of the operas-- a glossary of operatic terms-- an index for easy referenceThese are the perfect books for any opera lover to have at the opening of the opera season.