Subject
Burlesques Books
Best books
Unknown
Burlesque Plays and Poems
"Burlesque Plays and Poems" by Henry Morley is a collection of comedic works and poems likely written in the late 19th century. This anthology features classics of the burlesque tradition, including notable pieces like Chaucer's "Rime of Sir Thopas" and Beaumont and Fletcher's "Knight of the Burning Pestle," which satirize literary forms and societal norms. The book explores the art of mockery and jesting with good-natured humor, as it reflects on various characters and situations in an entertaining manner. The opening of the collection introduces the concept of burlesque, emphasizing its roots in satire and the playful twisting of traditional storytelling and poetic styles. It begins with an examination of Chaucer's "Rime of Sir Thopas," which critiques long-winded storytelling by parodying a knightly tale filled with ridiculous, trivial details. As the narrative unfolds, Morley describes his selection of burlesques, revealing the comedic techniques employed by authors like Beaumont and Fletcher, showcasing their talent for witty repartee and humorous characterizations. Thus, readers are introduced to a lively exploration of how humor was used to both entertain and critique in the formative works of English literature.
H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken
A Book of Burlesques
"A Book of Burlesques" by H. L. Mencken is a collection of satirical essays and dramatic sketches written in the early 20th century. This compilation showcases Mencken's wit and critique of American culture, touching upon various social themes through humorous and often absurd scenarios. The book likely appeals to readers interested in sharp social commentary wrapped in clever prose. The beginning of "A Book of Burlesques" introduces several skits that reflect on the futility and absurdity of life, starting with a philosophical discussion about death occurring in a gloomy back parlor. Characters such as pallbearers engage in trivial gossip at a funeral, humorously revealing their discomfort and ignorance about death. This sets a tone for the subsequent pieces, which are expected to offer a mix of critique and comedy, digging into societal norms and practices while maintaining a light-hearted style. The opening is a clever prelude that hints at Mencken's blend of sophistication and irreverence that characterizes the entire collection.
Bret Harte
Condensed Novels: New Burlesques
"Condensed Novels: New Burlesques" by Bret Harte is a collection of satirical stories written during the late 19th century. The book features a blend of humor and parody, focusing on societal norms, character tropes, and the absurdities of human nature. The opening portion introduces the character Rudolph of Trulyruralania, an arrogant and self-satisfied individual who enjoys living in the shadow of his more accomplished brother, Lord Burleydon, and reveals his struggles with identity and aspirations of adventure. The beginning of the novel introduces us to Rudolph, who boasts about his attributes to the disdain of his sister-in-law, Rose. As their banter unfolds, it becomes clear that Rudolph is a character full of bravado but lacking in substantive accomplishments. Rose encourages him to take a diplomatic position that could help him escape his mundane existence, and after some reluctance, Rudolph decides to take a holiday in Trulyruralania. This sets the stage for further comedic misadventures involving mistaken identities and royal intrigues, highlighting the whimsical, light-hearted nature of Harte's storytelling.
William Brough
The corsair; or, the little fairy at the bottom of the sea : $b A new Christmas burlesque and pantomime, founded upon the ballet of "Le corsair"
"The corsair; or, the little fairy at the bottom of the sea : A new Christmas…" by William Brough is a comic burlesque pantomime from the mid-19th-century Victorian era. Built on the popular ballet Le Corsaire and winking at Byron’s pirate romance, it mixes fairy spectacle, slapstick, and melodrama. Its likely topic is a swashbuckling pirate story turned into a playful Christmas entertainment in which love and magic try to reform a notorious corsair. The plot follows Conrad, a moody pirate, whose fate becomes the business of sea-fairies led by Serena, who vows to redeem him through love. On shore he rescues the vivacious Medora from a slave market, then survives a fairy-made shipwreck, only to be betrayed by his lieutenant Birbanto, who helps the renegade Yussuf abduct Medora. Serena thwarts a mutiny, and Conrad infiltrates the Pasha’s harem in disguise, duels Birbanto, and is captured. To save him, Medora pretends to accept the Pasha’s proposal, while Gulnare cunningly marries the Pasha herself under a veil. Medora frees Conrad and they escape; the Pasha discovers he is wed to Gulnare; in the woods Birbanto’s coup collapses as guards arrive and Serena grants mercy to the reformed lovers. A general reconciliation follows: the pirate vows domestic respectability, Gulnare secures her marriage, even the villains promise reform, and the piece ends in a sparkling Peri-led transformation to harlequinade.
Recently surfaced classics