There had long been a need for a modern Englishtranslation of Wagner&rsquo;s <em>Ring</em>&mdash;a version that would bereliable and readable yet at the same time be a truereflection of the literary quality of the German libretto.First published in 1993, this acclaimed translation,which follows the verse form of the original exactly,filled that niche. It reads smoothly and idiomatically,yet is the result of prolonged thought and deep back-ground knowledge. <br /><br />The translation is accompanied by StewartSpencer&rsquo;s introductory essay on the libretto and aseries of specially commissioned texts by BarryMillington, Roger Hollinrake, Elizabeth Magee, andWarren Darcy that discuss the cycle&rsquo;s musical structure, philosophical implications, medieval sources,and Wagner&rsquo;s own changing attitude to its meaning.With a glossary of names, a review of audio and videorecordings, and a select bibliography, this book is anessential complement to Wagner&rsquo;s great epic.