The Ring of the Nibelung is Wagner's gripping tale of Gods, giants, dwarves and heroes, of High Magic, forbidden passion, treachery, and the redeeming quality of selfless love. A homage to Germanic heritage and mythology, the saga has inspired many many later books, including J.R.Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. The 35 full-page illustrations by the inimitable Arthur Rackham both enhance and inform Wagner's stirring prose, vivifying this entrancing mythic vista of Gods, Dragons and Heroes.