The Complete Plays of Gilbert and Sullivan

The following book is a collection of comic operas with the play itself being written by the dramatist W. S. Gilbert and the music composed by Arthur Sullivan. It includes their best known works: 'H.M.S. Pinafore', 'The Pirates of Penzance' and 'The Mikado'. Gilbert, who wrote the libretti for these operas, created fanciful "topsy-turvy" worlds where each absurdity is taken to its logical conclusion; fairies rub elbows with British lords, flirting is a capital offense, gondoliers ascend to the monarchy, and pirates emerge as noblemen who have gone astray. Sullivan, six years Gilbert's junior, composed the music, contributing memorable melodies that could convey both humor and pathos. Their operas have enjoyed broad and enduring international success and are still performed frequently throughout the English-speaking world.