Parsifal, the "pure fool," who is the only one able to heal the wound of the Grail keeper Amfortas, gave his name to Richard Wagner's last work. It addresses the great themes of religion, compassion, and redemption, which continue to captivate audiences to this day. Wagner himself referred to the opera as his "most reconciliatory work." The book offers a comprehensive insight into the music and plot, as well as the history of reception and staging of this multifaceted festival play.