Her triumphant career and her persona have nearly become a myth over the decades. The undisputed diva of the 20th century restored the original significance of 19th-century opera; to sing of a beauty marked by misfortune. The fascination that Maria Callas (1923-1977) exudes, along with her personality and especially her voice, has taken on an almost cult-like dimension even many years after her death. The art of Callas, immortalized in countless live recordings and studio sessions, continues to overwhelm even those generations who could not experience her live on stage. Last but not least, her almost fairy-tale life story, filled with glamour and tragedy, still captivates the hearts of many. Jürgen Kesting's biography attempts to approach the artistic phenomenon of Callas.