Opera 101 : A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera

A wonderful guide. Highly recommended for all who want to get to know more about opera. It will be most helpful to opera novices but should be an interesting read for even seasoned opera lovers. Includes lists of opera houses, CDs, DVDs and books about opera.

The New York Times Essential Library: Opera : A Critic's Guide to the 100 Most Works and the Best Recordings (The New York Times Essential Library)

A very interesting, though highly debatable, list and analysis of the greatest 100 operas chosen by the New York Times opera critic. Includes suggested recordings of each of the operas discussed.