OPERA SMALL TALK is a pocket-sized (3 1/2" x 7 1/4") guide for everyone interested in opera--especially those who want to be led through the maze of plot, character & exotic setting. This book takes 45 great operas & divides each one into easily-digested bites: WHERE & WHEN gives the setting & chronology, WHO'S WHO names the leading character & voice types, WHAT IT'S ABOUT isolates the essential issues, & WHAT'S HAPPENING tells the opera's story. Filling in between the lines, WHAT'S MORE adds intriguing anecdotes about the composer, the creation of the opera, its opening performance, or its place in operatic history. Finally, WHAT TO LISTEN FOR suggests the opera's most noteworthy arias & ensembles. The perfect size for taking along to a performance. No more awkward silences during intermission! Two colors throughout, perfect-bound, with original pen-&-ink illustrations by Annette Cate. An eye-catching counter-top gift item. Matching T-shirt makes great P.O.P display. Save by ordering direct from Video Opera House, nationally-known opera products company, offering 24 hr. shipment. Call 800-99-OPERA for order/discount information.