The Wagner Story Book Firelight Tales of the Great Music Dramas   By: William Henry Frost (1863-1902)

The Wagner Story Book Firelight Tales of the Great Music Dramas by William Henry Frost is an enchanting collection of stories inspired by the legendary German composer, Richard Wagner. A delightful journey awaits readers as they delve into the captivating and magical world created by Frost.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is Frost's ability to bring the enchanting and intricate music dramas of Wagner to life through his storytelling. Each tale is a beautiful narrative adaptation of a different Wagnerian opera, allowing readers to truly grasp the essence and depth of these timeless works. Whether it is the seductive and tragic tale of "Tristan und Isolde" or the heroism and sacrifice found in "Die Walküre," Frost's retelling captures the essence and emotional intensity of each story with great finesse.

The author's writing style is elegant and lyrical, mirroring the grandeur and beauty of Wagner's music. One cannot help but feel transported to the fantastical worlds of Wagner's operas, where gods, heroes, valiant warriors, and mythical creatures coexist. Frost's ability to seamlessly weave together dialogue, action, and descriptive language makes each story come alive, immersing readers in a vivid and mesmerizing experience.

Moreover, Frost's deep understanding and knowledge of Wagner's operas shine through in his insightful commentary and analysis. Each tale is accompanied by a brief introduction and postscript, which provides a valuable context and interpretation of the underlying themes and symbols within the operas. This adds another layer of depth to the stories, making them not only entertaining but also intellectually engaging.

Additionally, the book's beautiful illustrations by Sidney Richmond Burleigh further enhance the reading experience. The intricate and expressive artwork perfectly complements the richness of Frost's storytelling, allowing readers to visualize the characters and settings with great detail and clarity.

However, it is worth noting that this book is not intended for those unfamiliar with Wagner or his music dramas. While Frost's retellings are accessible and engaging, they assume a certain level of familiarity with the original operas. Therefore, readers new to Wagner may find themselves occasionally lost or lacking the full appreciation of the narratives.

In conclusion, The Wagner Story Book Firelight Tales of the Great Music Dramas is a must-read for any admirer of Wagner's operas. William Henry Frost masterfully captures the essence and magic of these grand musical works, creating an enchanting collection of stories that will transport readers to the realms of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures. With its lyrical prose, insightful commentary, and stunning illustrations, this book is an immersive and captivating tribute to one of the greatest composers of all time.

First Page:

There is a certain little girl who sometimes tries to find out when I am not over busy, so that she may ask me to tell her a story. She is kind enough to say that she likes my stories, and this so flatters my vanity that I like nothing better than telling them to her. One reason why she likes them, I suspect, is that they are not really my stories at all, the most of them... Continue reading book >>