‘La maledizione di Fausto’ A new book on a famous figure from the past should challenge the previous critical outlook; that much we may take for granted. However, when the critical tradition is as odd, polarized, and opinionated as is Puccini's, difficulties arise, especially over the stance to be assumed. Although staples in the repertoires of opera houses around the world, Puccini's operas seem to inspire a sort of guilty enjoyment that gives way either to harsh criticism (if not outright dismissal) or to strenuous defense.