The Republic of Love, by Martha Nussbaum

The Republic of Love: Opera and Political Freedom

by former Junior Fellow Martha Nussbaum (1972 - 75)

In this book, philosopher Martha Nussbaum presents an original vision of opera's contribution to political thought. Drawing on her deep knowledge of classical and contemporary opera, she reveals how composers such as Mozart, Verdi, Beethoven, Wagner, Jake Heggie, John Adams and others used their music to explore the emotional and ethical dimensions of human life.

Published on April 16, 2026 by Oxford University Press