Gilbert and Sullivan Society

(Exeter, UK)

This is perhaps the classic work of the post war period, deriving as it does from a BBC Radio series.  That our knowledge of Gilbert and Sullivan has moved on exposing some erroneous material does not detract from the overall achievement.  The style of writing is delightful and there are numerous illustrations.  The original edition from Cassell went through several re-prints and revisions and almost every issue contains some new or altered material/illustrations.  The 1966 revised edition corrected much of the original material and was published on the back of an equally revised BBC Radio series.  Although long out of print, copies are numerous in the second-hand marketplace - but beware of sellers on ebay who will try to persuade you that copies are rare - THEY ARE NOT.

AB

Probably the most important book about the Gilbert and Sullivan partnership to have emerged since world war two.  Michael Ainger has undertaken considerable research and exploded numerous myths that have, for almost a century been regarded as fact.  Included are a number of illustrations, some of which have not appeared in other publications.

AB  AM  OUP

This and the next item are probably the most important books to come down to us from the 19th century as they were both written by people who saw the first productions, and, in many cases, the first performances, and also knew many of the personalities involved.  This book was first published in 1894 and therefore ends at the point at which UTOPIA had just been produced, and the opinions of that opera are vastly different from those that are held today, more than a century later.  Considerable insight is also given into other Savoy Operas and operas by Gilbert with other composers and there are a great number or rare illustrations not found in any other book.  Although rare, this book does pop up regularly in the second-hand market and is well worth purchasing at a reasonable price.

AB

This is the first major biography of Sullivan and was written with the blessing of the composer himself who, averse as he was to "interview", gave the author every assistance.  This is a very readable survey of Sullivan's life and works by one who knew him and was there.  The one real annoyance is that Lawrence persists in mis-spelling THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD by using YEOMAN, singular.  Long out of print this book does surface on the second-hand market quite regularly.

AB

This was the first biography to be devoted to W S Gilbert and was published some 12 years after his death.  The help of Lady Gilbert, Nancy McIntosh (the Gilbert's adopted daughter) and Rupert D'Oyly Carte are fully acknowledged.  The book gives an overall survey of all WSG's work, not just the operas with Sullivan, includes many passages from his works, an appendix of half a dozen rare 'Bab' Ballads, and a reasonable bibliography.  The book is long out of print but does surface in the second-hand market fairly regularly.  This is well worth acquiring should the opportunity present itself.

AB

Another highly informative account of the operas by one who was there, although in this case the author admits to not having seen THESPIS.  His evaluation of UTOPIA differs from that of Percy Fitzgerald quite considerably, but it is also noticeable that his opinion of GRAND DUKE differs markedly from that which has been prevalent for many years.  Indeed the press of the time were relatively enthusiastic about this last opera.  Copies of this book surface quite frequently in the second-hand market and the item is a valuable addition to any G & S collection.

AB

The lexicon is now in it's third edition.  It is as far as I can ascertain still in print in America and is quite freely available from various sources on both sides of the Atlantic.  Delightfully illustrated by Geoffrey Shovelton, the work covers all the obscure and topical allusions contained in all 14 operas plus COX AND BOX and THE ZOO.  Written mainly with an eye to the American market, some of the entries will seem rather obvious to us here in the UK- the need to explain 'Salisbury Plain' for instance - but this is a really entertaining book written with a humour that makes it very readable.  And after all - who among us could actually explain what Gilbert meant by the 'Italian glance' in RUDDIGORE, and what was a 'Groom of the Back Stairs' alluded to in MIKADO?

AB

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN GUIDE
ILLUSTRATED SHEET MUSIC
Jonathan Smith
Arcadee Publishing (2007)

Limited edition of 250 individually numbered copies.

Illustrated music covers were a great feature of the late Victorian and Edwardian music publishing industry.  As the twentieth century advanced, vocal scores began to be adorned with elaborately illustrated covers, usually in full colour.  Before that, it was usually the dance arrangements from the popular productions of the day that received such treatment and, of course, the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas, and indeed, the work of both men with other partners, were treated to such elaborate publications.  Most of these covers are incredibly rare because, of course, they sustained a considerable amount of wear and tear in an age when the recording industry was in its infancy, radio and television hadn't been invented, and apart from going to the theatre or music hall, entertainment was almost entirely home produced.

This private publication therefore, is of considerable importance, as it gathers together in one book for the first time, if not all, then the majority of illustrated music covers associated with Gilbert and/or Sullivan.  All fourteen operas are represented as are a number of Gilbert's other works, Sullivan's non-Gilbert operas and some delightful covers from Sullivan's 1897 ballet VICTORIA AND MERRIE ENGLAND.  There are also a number of rare covers from the 1890's Savoy Operas in which neither partner had a hand.  This is a rare opportunity to see these wonderful covers.

For information on availability email Arcadee Publishing direct.

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