Richard Wagner's monumental cycle, "The Ring of the Nibelung," rendered in this illustrated edition, vibrantly intertwines mythology, philosophy, and a deep-seated critique of contemporary society. Composed of four operas'Äî"Das Rheingold," "Die Walk√ºre," "Siegfried," and "G√∂tterd√§mmerung"'ÄîWagner employs a unique form of musical storytelling, utilizing leitmotifs to convey character and thema...