The author, Burton D. Fisher, is a former opera conductor, presently author/editor of the Opera Classics Library Series, Opera Journeys Mini Guide Series, Opera Journeys Libretto Series, and the new college text, "A History of Opera: Milestones and Metamorphoses," the principal lecturer for the Opera Journeys Lecture Series, an accredited course of the Florida International University School of Music, a commissioned author of Season Opera Guides and Program Notes for regional opera companies,and a frequent opera commentator on National Public Radio.