Ernest Newman's, perhaps legendary, 1949, "Wagner Operas" (or "Wagner Nights" as some may know it) has once again, been republished - and this time also as a kindle ebook. Extensive, detailed and not without some wit - although nowadays perhaps "old fashioned" in places - Newman's 800 odd page introduction and analysis of Wagners works remains more than a good starting place to investigate their development, sources and influncers. A preview can be found below. Recommended.