The English National Opera Guides were originally conceived in partnership with the English National Opera and edited by Nicholas John, the ENO's dramaturg, who died tragically in an accident in the Alps. Most of the guides are devoted to a single opera, which is described in detail with many articles that cover its history and information about the composer and his times. The complete libretto is included in both the original language and in a modern singing translation, except where the opera was written in English. Each has a thematic guide to the most important musical themes in musical notation and each guide is lavishly illustrated. They also contain a bibliography and a discography which is updated at each reprint. The ENO guides are widely regarded as the best series of their kind and excellent value. Der Rosenkvalier has one of the longest and most exquisitely crafted texts of all opera. The full brilliance and subtlety of the characterisation can only be appreciated by those who have read it. Derrick Puffett notes that the sentimentality and parody of the subject perfectly matched Strauss' genius. Michael Kennedy's detailed musical commentary shows how the large orchestra is handled with exceptional skill. Peter Branscombe points out that Hofmaansthal set a new standard of libretto writing for this century and shows how the ideas in Der Rosenkavalier may be traced in his other works for the stage, in his prose and poetry.