The predominance of Puccini is among highlights of an era marked by insider squabbling. However much fun they are to browse, these books are historical gold because of Taylor's brutal frankness about each performance, reputations be damned. I still have an old 1935 edition. Some of the original Kobbe remains, amplified by Harewood, and running times are given for the first time. This makes it easier for the layman, but there's a loss of context.
Illustrations are sparse.
She retired in 1937 at her peak, suffered a broken marriage and devoted her late years to teaching and building the Baltimore Civic Opera. Reviews will appear on The Denver Post Online.