In her latest book for the young reader Miss Streatfeild is at her best in a congenial sphere. She loves the theatre and her enthusiasm for ballet is already well known. She now proves an equally keen protagonist for opera; her enthusiasm is written on every page. But Miss Streatfeild is a wise guide. She outlines as much of the history of opera as is necessary to set any work in perspective, and shows how operas are composed and produced. The story is simply and concisely told, and with much sympathy for the reader who is setting out on this enchanting road for the first time. The illustrations by Hilary Abrahams have their part to play, aptly reminding that opera is for the eye as well as for the ear and the list of recordings is an invaluable assistance to teachers or parents.

From the dust jacket