Maria Callas was almost as famous for her personal life - her jet-setting, her staggering weight loss, her tigress-like temperament - as she was for her singing. Of Greek parentage, the New York-born, internationally famous Callas was the most influential soprano of the 20th century, reviving a school of singing - bel canto - that had been forgotten for 75 years.  Unlike most of her generation of sopranos, she was a superb actress both vocally and physically: her voice encompassed many colors and she embodied each character she portrayed.  This profusely illustrated musical biography covers Callas's life and career.  A final third of the book analyzes the tracks on the two CDs, describing what made Callas unique, what made Callas Callas.  Paperback with 2 CDs, 240 p.