Operas Every Child Should Know retells the stories of the most famous operas in plain prose for young readers and newcomers to the art form. Mary Schell Hoke Bacon summarises the plots of beloved works by Wagner, Verdi, Mozart, Gounod, and others, describing the characters and the dramatic situations of each.
Part of a once-popular educational series, the book aims to make the operatic repertory accessible without requiring technical knowledge of music. Its clear narratives serve as a friendly introduction for families and students preparing to attend the opera. As a guide to the standard repertory of its day, it remains a useful and approachable companion to opera’s enduring masterpieces.