NY: Walker, 1996. First Edition. 6 X 9. Hard Cover. As New / As New. ISBN: 0802713130. Operas are stories. And behind each opera are other stories, from real life, that are often just as intriguing. Because the human stories behind the stories impact the performance we see on stage, our knowledge of these private dramas will add tremendously to our appreciation and make the experience of opera even more pleasurable. 240 pp.