Author
W. S. (William Schwenck) Gilbert
1836-1911
W. S. (William Schwenck) Gilbert (1836-1911) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by W. S. (William Schwenck) Gilbert
Original Plays, Second Series
"Original Plays, Second Series" by W. S. Gilbert is a collection of theatrical works written during the late 19th century. This volume showcases a range of original plays, including well-known titles like "H.M.S. Pinafore" and "The Pirates of Penzance." The works explore themes of love, societal norms, and human folly through witty dialogue and engaging characters, aimed at entertaining viewers and provoking thought about the conventions of the time. The beginning of the collection introduces "Broken Hearts," an original fairy play set on a tropical island. It features a deformed dwarf named Moussa, who is deeply discontent with his appearance and seeks transformation through a mysterious book filled with sorcery. The narrative highlights the poignant interactions between Moussa and the lovely Lady Hilda, as well as other characters involved in love and loss. The world they inhabit brims with fantastical elements, such as the exploration of love’s complexities and the longing for acceptance, setting a whimsical yet reflective tone that invites readers and audiences to contemplate the nature of beauty and desire.
The Bab Ballads, with Which Are Included Songs of a Savoyard
"The Bab Ballads, with Which Are Included Songs of a Savoyard" by W. S. Gilbert is a collection of light verse published between 1869 and 1898. These humorous poems, illustrated by Gilbert himself, develop his signature "topsy-turvy" style—establishing ridiculous premises and following them to absurd logical conclusions. Written before Gilbert became famous for his comic operas with Arthur Sullivan, the ballads showcase his cynical wit and later provided source material for the beloved Gilbert and Sullivan works. The verses became wildly popular, performed at private gatherings and public events alike.
More Bab Ballads
"More Bab Ballads" by W. S. Gilbert is a collection of humorous verse, likely written in the late 19th century. This work showcases Gilbert's wit and satire, employing whimsical rhymes and playful storytelling to explore various subjects, often highlighting the foibles of society, relationships, and human behavior. The opening portion of "More Bab Ballads" sets the tone with a variety of stories told in verse. It introduces characters like Poll Pineapple, an aged bumboat woman reminiscing about her adventurous youth and her infatuation with Lieutenant Belaye. The tone is both nostalgic and humorous, as Poll reflects on her past experiences while also revealing the absurdities of her youthful escapades. As various ballads unfold, we encounter other quirky narratives about ogres, a sailor's ill-fated romance, and humorous takes on morality, love, and social norms, all wrapped in Gilbert's clever rhymes, inviting readers into a whimsical yet critical examination of Victorian society.
The Bab Ballads
"The Bab Ballads" by W. S. Gilbert is a collection of light verse first published in book form in 1869. Named after Gilbert's childhood nickname, these illustrated comic poems showcase his signature "topsy-turvy" style—establishing ridiculous premises and pursuing their logical, absurd conclusions. Written before his famous Gilbert and Sullivan collaborations, the ballads reveal his cynical wit and became wildly popular, read at dinner parties and even in the House of Lords. Many later provided plot elements and characters for his celebrated comic operas.
Songs of a Savoyard
"Songs of a Savoyard" by W. S. Gilbert is a collection of humorous and satirical poems written in the late 19th century. The book reflects Gilbert’s characteristic wit and criticism of Victorian society through playful verses and songs that often poke fun at social norms, politics, and human behavior. At the start of the collection, readers encounter a series of lively and entertaining poems that introduce various characters and situations, such as sailors, high-ranking officers, and whimsical anecdotes. The opening poem, "The Darned Mounseer," sets the tone with a light-hearted depiction of a naval encounter with a Frenchman, highlighting the jovial spirit of competition and camaraderie among sailors. Other initial pieces like "The Englishman" and "The Disagreeable Man" further exemplify Gilbert's knack for juxtaposing humor with societal observations, drawing readers into a delightful blend of character sketches and musicality that invites laughter and reflection alike.
Fifty "Bab" Ballads: Much Sound and Little Sense
"Fifty 'Bab' Ballads: Much Sound and Little Sense" by W. S. Gilbert is a collection of light verse published in 1876. Drawing from his childhood nickname, Gilbert crafted humorous poems that establish ridiculous premises and follow them to absurd conclusions. These satirical verses, accompanied by his own comic illustrations, showcase the "topsy-turvy" style he would later perfect in his famous operatic collaborations with Arthur Sullivan. The ballads became beloved entertainment, read aloud everywhere from private dinner parties to the House of Lords.
Original Plays [First Series]
"Original Plays [First Series]" by W. S. Gilbert is a collection of theatrical works written in the late 19th century. This volume features several plays, including "The Wicked World," which introduces a whimsical exploration of love, morality, and the contrasting lives of fairies and mortals. The characters are engaging, with fairies contemplating the nature of the human world and its seemingly wicked ways while grappling with their own ideas of righteousness. The opening of "The Wicked World" presents a group of fairies in a fantastical setting, discussing their perception of the human realm as wicked and sinful. Among them, Zayda expresses her curiosity about this 'wicked world,' while Selene, the Fairy Queen, suggests that the fairies might benefit from experiencing humanity firsthand. Their conversation reveals their naivety and highlights the fairies' disdain for human flaws such as vanity and jealousy. They decide to summon their mortal counterparts to their fairy land to teach them about a life devoid of sin, setting the stage for a comedic exploration of both the virtues and vices of love.
The Pinafore Picture Book: the Story of H.M.S. Pinafore
"The Pinafore Picture Book: the Story of H.M.S. Pinafore" by W. S. Gilbert is a whimsical retelling of the famous comic opera, presented as a retelling for younger audiences. Written in the early 20th century, this illustrated work captures the charm and humor of the original story while making it accessible for children. The narrative revolves around Captain Corcoran, his beautiful daughter Josephine, the ambitious sailor Ralph Rackstraw, and the pompous Sir Joseph Porter, all set aboard the HMS Pinafore. At the start of the story, Captain Corcoran is depicted as a kind-hearted leader who strives to maintain a pleasant atmosphere aboard his ship. He is introduced alongside his daughter Josephine, who is the object of affection for many of the sailors, including Ralph Rackstraw, a young man with a somewhat inflated sense of self-importance. The opening chapters delve into the relationships between the characters, setting up both the comedic tensions and romantic entanglements that will follow. The narrative amusingly explores themes of class, duty, and romance, with characters like the crew members and the bumboat woman, Little Buttercup, adding to the colorful tableau of life on the ship.
Bab Ballads and Savoy Songs
"Bab Ballads and Savoy Songs" by W. S. Gilbert is a collection of humorous poems and songs written in the late 19th century. This work showcases Gilbert's wit and satirical commentary on various aspects of society, ranging from love and marriage to social status and absurdity in everyday life. The poems include a variety of characters and scenarios, each delivering clever rhymes and engaging narratives that reflect the author's sharp sense of humor. The opening portion introduces a series of whimsical ballads, beginning with "The Yarn of the 'Nancy Bell'," where an elderly naval man recounts a darkly comedic tale of survival at sea, touching on themes of desperation and cannibalism. It unfolds with lively descriptions of seafaring life and eccentric characters, setting the tone for the collection. Each ballad follows a different amusing narrative or character, hinting at Gilbert's skill in blending comedic elements with social critique, making the opening an engaging invitation into the humorous world of his verse.