Title: Gilbert & Sullivan and Their World by Leslie Baily (1973) HCDJ

Book Details:

  • Title: Gilbert & Sullivan and Their World
  • Author: Leslie Baily
  • Year: 1973
  • Publisher: Thames and Hudson, London
  • **Reprinted in Great Britain by Jarrold and Sons Ltd, Norwich

Description: Step into the enchanting world of Gilbert and Sullivan with this vintage book, "Gilbert & Sullivan and Their World" by Leslie Baily. Published by Thames and Hudson in 1973, this book offers a captivating glimpse into the lives and works of the renowned duo.

"Gilbert & Sullivan and Their World" by Leslie Baily is a biographical and historical book that delves into the lives and creative partnership of two of the most renowned figures in the world of operetta: Sir William S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan.

The book provides an in-depth exploration of the world in which Gilbert and Sullivan lived and worked. It offers insights into their personal lives, artistic collaboration, and the impact they had on the world of musical theater. Readers can expect to find:

  1. Biographical Insights: The book delves into the lives and backgrounds of Gilbert and Sullivan, shedding light on their individual histories, personalities, and the circumstances that brought them together.

  2. The Creative Process: It explores the creative process behind some of their most famous works, including "The Pirates of Penzance," "The Mikado," "H.M.S. Pinafore," and others. Readers gain an understanding of how their operettas were conceived and developed.

  3. Impact on Musical Theater: The book discusses the lasting influence of Gilbert and Sullivan's works on the world of musical theater. Their innovative and humorous operettas left an indelible mark on the art form.

  4. Beautiful Illustrations: The book is enhanced by beautiful illustrations, which likely include images of the artists, their productions, and the era in which they lived.

Originally published by Cassell, in 1952 and revised by Spring Books in 1966, the author of this edition since further research has uncovered fresh facts while others have been revised, concentrates on the span of Gilbert and Sullivan's lives alone, reassessing the cultural contribution they made, with D'Oyly Carte, to their world, to posterity and not least to the gaiety of nations. In this lively and authoritative biography, Baily sets its fascinatingly contrasted progenitors in the context of the world in which they worked and from which they drew their inspiration. W.S. Gilbert was in many ways a typical Victorian gentleman, yet his satirical absurdities often made his contemporaries uneasy; while Arthur Sullivan rose from a working-class background to become the foremost British composer of the day and the darling of smart society. With Richard D'Oyly Carte, whose business acumen allied to progressive taste catalyzed their talents, these two wrought a revolution in the theatre, and Baily traces the story of their partnership from the inauspicious failure of Thespis through the dazzling succession of triumphs at home and abroad to the final series of disastrous quarrels.

Overall, "Gilbert & Sullivan and Their World" by Leslie Baily provides a comprehensive and engaging look at the lives and works of these two celebrated figures, making it an excellent choice for those interested in the history of music, theater, and the performing arts.

Condition:

  • The book is in good condition. The pages are clean, well-preserved, and filled with beautiful illustrations that bring the world of Gilbert and Sullivan to life. The binding is intact, ensuring that the book remains a delightful addition to any collection.

Dust Jacket: The book includes its original dust jacket, which shows some shelf wear and small tears. Please refer to the provided photos for a closer look at the dust jacket's condition.

Photographs: Detailed photographs are included to showcase the book's condition, with a focus on the mentioned wear and tears on the dust jacket.

If you are a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan's timeless operettas or have a passion for the arts, this book is a wonderful addition to your library. Delve into the world of these two brilliant minds and their enduring legacy. Order your copy of "Gilbert & Sullivan and Their World" today!