The Opera Lover’s Companion

A Night at the Opera: An Irreverent Guide to The Plots, The Singers, The Composers, The Recordings (Modern Library Paperbacks)

Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera

100 Great Operas And Their Stories: Act-By-Act Synopses

The New York Times Essential Library: Opera: A Critic's Guide to the 100 Most Important Works and the Best Recordings

How to Listen to Great Music: A Guide to Its History, Culture, and Heart (Great Courses)