Cameron, Nigel, and Brian Brake, Peking: A Tale of Three Cities, Harper and Row, 1965.

This invaluable resource on the history of Peking includes a number of photos, illustrations, maps, and charts that increase the reader's understanding of the ancient city. In addition, the book includes a section on Peking opera.

Gudnason, Jessica Tan, Chinese Opera, Abbeville Press, 2001.

This coffee-table book explores the colorful world of Chinese opera in more than 100 full-page photographs by Gudnason. The photos, many of which are close-up portraits, offer a thorough examination of the types of costumes and makeup performers wear in Peking, Cantonese, and Yue opera. The book includes an introductory essay by Gong Li—the actress who played Juxian in the film version of Farewell My Concubine—which explains the various types of characters, costumes, and makeup involved in Chinese opera.

MacKerras, Colin, Peking Opera, Images of Asia series...