Jonathan Carr, The Wagner Clan: The Saga of Germany’s Most Illustrious and Infamous Family (Atlantic Monthly, $27.50). Even if you’re not one of those who think Richard Wagner’s music is better read about than listened to, my guess is that you’ll find this crisply, engagingly written study of the Wagners and what they wrought to be full of interesting things you probably didn’t know. Carr tells the tale fairly, but with just enough acid to keep it tart (TT).
Terry Teachout on the arts in New York City
