In anticipation of the 150th anniversary in 2026, Pegasus Books is set to release “Wagner and the Creation of the Ring” by Michael Downes on July 1, 2025.

In his book, the writer and conductor explores the journey of creating one of the most crucial works of art of all Western culture.

“Bringing The Ring to successful completion demanded a dizzying range of skills from Wagner. Apart from his obvious talents as composer, writer and conductor, Wagner was also an extraordinary entrepreneur, administrator, fundraiser, director and leader, who inspired those around him to herculean achievements even against seemingly impossible odds. I hope that my book will bring to life the unique way in which he harnessed all these skills and more in the single-minded pursuit of a goal on which he remained focused for more than quarter of a century, and the quite unbelievable energy and perseverance of the man, whatever one thinks of his personal character. I also hope that my book will enable newcomers to The Ring to hear more in the music and understand a little of what makes it such a special musical experience. I’ve deliberately avoided technical musical vocabulary so that it will be accessible to all who want to know more,” Downes told OperaWire.

The first-ever performance of the complete cycle of Wagner’s tetralogy took place from August 13-17, 1876.

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