Contains the complete text of the libretto with annotations in both English and Italian and a critical historical commentary. The text also includes the background of the composer, biographies of the principal singers and conductor. The two accompanying CDs contain the complete opera sung in Italian.

Traces the development of opera, presents plots of fifty popular operas, and provides an in-depth study of "Carmen." Includes lists of composers and their works, opera companies, opera terms, etc.

Traces the fall of a handsome soldier as he is lured by the fickle Carmen into becoming a convict, a smuggler, and finally a murderer.