"Clifford Michael Irving (born November 5, 1930) is an American investigative reporter and writer. He is known for a fake "autobiography" of Howard Hughes in the early 1970s. After Hughes denounced him and sued McGraw-Hill, the publisher, Irving confessed the hoax and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison, serving 17 months."--Wikipedia.

This book recounts the 1983 production of Wagner's Ring cycle at Bayreuth, directed by Sir Peter Hall and conducted by Sir Georg Solti, with journalist Stephen Fay and photographer Roger Wood documenting the story. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the production, from backstage meetings and set and costume designs to rehearsals and ultimately the 1983 performance.