Title: Amahl and the Night Visitors
First published: 1952
Description: Since its first performance on Christmas Eve, 1951, *Amahl and the Night Visitors* has taken its place with A Christmas Carol as a holiday classic. Performed on every continent and in many languages, it has been seen by more people than any other opera in history.

The story tells of the night the Three Kings, following the star to Bethlehem, stop for shelter at the home of Amahl, a poor, crippled shepherd boy who lives with his widowed mother. Inspired by the Wise Men's tale of a kingdom "built on love alone," Amahl offers his own simple gift to the Christ Child. And then a miracle happens.

In this warm and compassionate story, Gian Carlo Menotti has captured the essential spirit of Christmas. At its premiere, The New York Times called Amahl "rare art. . . tender and exquisite." Now brought to life in glowing watercolors, Amahl and the Night Visitors is a feast for the eyes and heart, one readers of all ages will want to return to again and again.
Subjects: Christmas, First Christmas, Christmas stories, Fiction, Juvenile fiction, Nativity, Operas, Vocal scores with piano, Drama, Television operas, Magi, Children with disabilities, Scores, Christmas music, Mothers and sons, Children's fiction, Christmas entertainments, Christmas plays, Christmas, fiction, Music, Shepherds, Miracles, Gifts, Poverty, Conduct of life, Love, Operas-Scores, Sacred music, Nativity of Jesus Christ, Librettos
People: Jesus Christ