THE WORLD OF GILBERT AND SULLIVAN

by W. A. Darlington ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

For the cult, old and, particularly, new, of this theatrical partnership, this backward light on the relation of the thirteen operas Gilbert & Sullivan wrote to the times in which they were written and produced. With an introductory chapter which underlines the continued popularity of their works for over seventy years and outlines briefly the association of the two, the rest of the chapters deal with the social and political background which conditioned the topical references, which brought about the permanent humor in each of the 13 light comedies and fantasies. Since the author's thesis is that the Gilbertian contribution is some degree greater than the Sullivan music (a debate of vital importance to the perforvid followers), his arguments buttress his favorite's position, while his research follows the points of contact of the plays with real life and stresses the criticism and satire which are involved in the dialog and verses, hardly known or remembered today. Interesting bypaths for the fanatics, and in its special field, excellent reference.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Crowell

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1950

Categories: NONFICTION