Lavishly produced and elegantly set, with a wealth of material which will please opera lovers, academics and general readers. Includes articles by some of the leading music specialists in the world. Includes more than twenty black-and-white and colour pictures printed on special glossy paper in a separate plate section. Contains a thematic guide, and an up-to-date bibliography, select discography and website guide. Acclaimed by today's most exacting music critics. In this guide there is an article comparing Pushkin's original with its treatment in the opera, a detailed musical analysis and an appreciation of Tchaikovsky's particular skill as a word-setter. An essay on its performance history details the contributions of the most notable artists who have taken part in productions of the work. Illustrations, a thematic guide, the full libretto with English translation and reference sections are also included.