The subject of this book, edited by Lorenzo Frassa, is the Opera-comique as an art form, compositional genre, institution and production process. The volume will consist of a close examination of the genre of the Opera-comique and the great masterpieces and artists who have sustained this form of musical theatre and prevented it from falling into oblivion. The freedom given to authors in selecting the subject of their contribution has made it possible to bring together subjects that appear disparate, but which are in fact complementary and indispensable to all who wish to investigate the Opera-comique's varying facets, and also receive a comprehensive overview. The collection of essays encompasses the heterogeneous world of institutions, traditions, works and composers that can be assimilated into the frame of "Opera-comique."