'The ideal interpreter of the Ring ... a fascinating and valuable study ... absorbing and convincing' Sunday Times

The Ring of the Nibelung is one of the greatest works of art created in modern times. Roger Scruton's brilliant and passionate exploration of the drama, music, symbolism and philosophy of Wagner's masterpiece - with its themes of love, death, sacrifice and freedom - shows how, ultimately, it expresses the truth about the human condition.

'Highly original and penetrating ... tremendous' Tim Blanning, Literary Review

'A rich, historical account ... After reading this book, only the most unadventurous reader would turn down the chance to see Wagner's masterpiece' Economist

'A brilliant gallop through the master's religious, musical and philosophical contexts' Sue Prideaux, Spectator

'Scruton is one of the finest philosopher-musicians since Schopenhauer' Jonathan Gaisman, Standpoint

A magnificent book by a famous author on perhaps the greatest of all musical works

About the Author
Sir Roger Scruton was a writer and philosopher who held positions at the universities of London, Oxford, Boston and St Andrews and who wrote widely on art, architecture, music and aesthetics. His books include his now classic Short History of Modern Philosophy (1981), The Aesthetics of Music (1997), Death-Devoted Heart: Sex and the Sacred in Wagner's Tristan and Isolde (2004) and The Ring of Truth: The Wisdom of Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung (2016). He was a fellow of the British Academy and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Reviews
a masterpiece, all told the best book on Wagner I have ever read -- Michael Tanner * Literary Review *
After reading this book, only the most unadventurous reader would turn down the chance to see Wagner's masterpiece. * Economist *
Roger Scruton is in many ways the ideal interpreter of the Ring -- Adam Lively * The Sunday Times *
Highly original and penetrating ... he writes about the music authoritatively but comprehensibly... lucidly, cogently and even entertainingly -- Tim Blanning * Literary Review *
Admirably lucid ... a perceptive and detailed account ... constantly enlightening commentary -- Lucy Beckett * Tablet *



Book Information
ISBN 9780141980720
Author Roger Scruton
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 303g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 23mm