Naomi Andre's Blackness in Opera unravels the influence and interplay of race in the world of opera. Discussing well-known operas that highlight race, including Porgy and Bess and Otello, alongside lesser-known works like Scott Joplin's Treemonisha, the book examines the ways that opera addresses race and interprets blackness. Andre includes essays and opinions from various opera and African-American-studies scholars to look at the intersection of race, blackness and opera through the years.

Blackness in Opera is now available online and in bookstores.  

Previous recommendation: Biography Unravels the Life of James Brown.

Got ideas for The Root Recommends? Send them to recommendations@theroot.com.

Like The Root on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.