The Ring of Truth

The Wisdom of Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung

Roger Scruton

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

Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung is one of the greatest works of art created in modern times, and has fascinated critics and devotees for over a century and a half. TheRing of Truth is an exploration of the drama, music, symbolism and philosophy of the Ring from a writer whose knowledge and understanding of the Western musical tradition are the equal of his capacities as a philosopher. Scruton shows how, through musical connections and brilliant dramatic strokes, Wagner is able to express truths about the human condition which few other artists have been able to convey so convincingly. For Wagner, writes Scruton, the task of art is to 'show us freedom in its immediate, contingent, human form, reminding us of what it means to us. Even if we live in a world from which gods and heroes have disappeared we can, by imagining them, dramatize the deep truths of our condition and renew our faith in what we are.'

Published: 14 August 2017
ISBN: 9780141980720
Imprint: Penguin Press
Format: Paperback
Pages: 416
RRP: $30.00

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Music

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About the author

Roger Scruton

Roger Scruton was educated at Jesus College, Cambridge. He taught for twenty years in the department of philosophy, Birkbeck College, University of London, and is now Professor of Philosophy at Boston University, Massachusetts. He is the editor of the Salisbury Review. His works include Art and Imagination, The Aesthetics of Architecture, The Meaning of Conservatism, Sexual Desire, Modern Philosophy and The Philosopher on Dover Beach. He has written several works of fiction, including the highly acclaimed Xanthippic Dialogues.

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Praise for The Ring of Truth

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