French Grand Opera and the Historical Imagination

(Cambridge): (Cambridge University Press), 2009. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine/near fine. Quarto size, 278 pp. "During the July Monarchy, French grand operas, with their plots drawn from historical events, tended to be received as metaphors for current political themes. Previous studies have usually underestimated the role of music and the visual dimensions in articulating an alternative message to that offered by the libretto, and have instead focused on single political interprerations.

"In this study, five operas...illustrate the complex, contested nature of political meaning during this period" (n.b., from jacket flap).

___DESCRIPTION: (truncated) Bound in full black textured paper over boards, gilt lettering stamped onto the spine, excerpts from musical scores and few black-and-white illustrations throughout; quarto size (9 7/8" by 6 7/8"), 278 pp. Publisher's wrap-around pictorial dust jacket is unclipped (and unpriced), summary of book on front flap (and on back panel) and author bio on back flap.

___CONDITION: Volume is fine overall, the boards clean, straight corners without rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, and entirely free of prior owner markings; clean and as new. The jacket near fine, clean and without sunning, with minimal edgewear mostly at the head of the spine.

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