The tale unfolds amid a fanciful version of Japanese society, in which a wandering minstrel has the misfortune to fall in love with the beautiful ward of the Lord High Executioner of Titipu.

An essay by William Schenck Gilbert, a playwright of Victorian theatre, in which he examines the role of the theatre. In it he pleads for the mutual tolerance between Church and stage.

The poems, illustrated humourously by Gilbert, proved immensely popular and were reprinted in book form as The Bab Ballads (1869-73).

Best known for his humorous operettas and short stories, W. S. Gilbert also wrote stories based on his life, including the biographical "My Maiden Brief" and "The Lady in the Plaid Shawl", fantastic fairy stories, and thoughtful short ...

The Pirates of Penzance or The Slave of Duty by William Schwenk Gilbert is about Samuel the pirate lieutenant and his ship of pirates.

A lighthearted burlesque of Japanese culture and the vagaries of love, this operetta's lyrics and dialogue are as delightful to read as they are to hear. Includes nine illustrations by Gilbert.

The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan provides the complete text of all thirteen of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas still being performed today, including H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Mikado.