Italian Opera in the 18th and 19th centuries was an experience unequaled anywhere else in the world. The unique emotion, flavor, and passion that existed have yet to be attained in any other country. Opera houses in Italy are the birthplace of this great art form. They represent its beauty and richness. More than just concrete, stone, glass, and wood, they are alive, each with a character and history of its own. This work recreates the social, political, architectural, and performance histories of each house by including eyewitness accounts from Italian newspapers, journals, and books of the time. It covers more than 50 Italian opera houses and festivals, organized by their city of origin and geographic region. Each chapter is a journey back in time, beginning with the first theaters and performances in the city and concluding with an architectural description of the principal theater and a practical information guide for visitors (including hotel recommendations). The operatic activities of the main theater, including inaugurations, important performances, and world premieres, are also covered. A photospread, along with brief descriptions of opera-related sites, including the birthplaces, dwellings, and museums of Italy's greatest composers, give an even more complete portrait of the art.

"For the general reader, this guide presents histories of 58 Italian opera houses and festivals, organized by region and then city. Lynn describes significant events, premieres, the construction of theaters, architecture, and season information. Also included is a guide to visiting, along with recommended hotels and opera-related places such as birthplaces and museums. Houses in northern, central, southern Italy, and the islands are covered. The indexes are divided between people and theaters. Lynn is a writer and critic specializing in opera." - Reference and Research Book News

"...as well as being the traveling companion the author envisaged, it also deserves a place in a home library as a valuable reference book to dip into and consult at leisure." - Opera Now

"This is a chatty, informative, compelling book which reflects the author's enthusiasm for opera houses. It is an essential item to pack when heading off to Italy or to keep on your bedside table at home if all you want to do is dream of where you might go to watch opera." - Classical Music, September 2006

"...comprehensive in its coverage of architectural and decorative detail, not only of the theatres in their present state, but in their previous (often destroyed by fire) incarnations...useful for its background detail for anyone planning to visit one of Italy's opera houses." - Opera~Opera, November 2006