Chaos and Dancing Star

This study examines composer Richard Wagner's politics and legacy. The text is organized into sections (prelude, Acts I, II, III, coda, and postlude) that attempt to follow the way in which a very long opera progresses. Following an overview chapter, Wagnerian expert Pateman discusses Proudhon, Bakunin, and other influences on Wagner; Wagner and revolution, anarchism, and anti-Semitism; and Wagner's influence. The book contains a table of the composer's work, times, and sources, as well as one that provides the sources, political views and professions of those who claimed to be Wagnerians. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR