Hamilton College scholar-in-residence Hermine Weigel Williams co-authored a book titled A Short History of Opera, which was originally released in 1947. The book has since been re-released 3 times; published in June 2003 by Columbia University Press, the fourth edition expands and revises previous editions.
Building on the book's 50 year-old base, A Short History of Opera begins by examining opera's beginnings. Using Greek lyric theatre and medieval dramatic music as a platform, the book follows the evolution of the genre up to the present day. The book compares and contrasts different forms of opera and different regions where opera is created and performed. Chinese opera, European opera, classical opera and modern opera, to name a few, are included and explained in the book.
Williams has received great praise for her contributions, hard work, and dedication to the book over the years. According to Columbia University Press, John Little of James Madison University said, "Williams has made some wonderful additions and alterations to this book, bringing it up to date with the latest research."
