The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan
Book Review: An essential guide to the Savoy Operettas
Summary: 5 Stars
This book brings together Bradleys two previous sets of annotated notes and adds the details for Utopia Limited and The Grand Duke. Anyone who has an interest in the Savoy Operas will appreciate this book as it gives a great insight into some of the language and phrases in the libretto. It also gives a lot of useful background into the thirteen operettas and has regular references to Thespis, the lost show. As a regular performer and director of G& S shows I use this book constantly to answer questions and to understand the reason why they are as they are.Book Review: A must have for all G&S fans
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the single most important book in the library of a Gilbert and Sullivan lover. It contains the entire text of the 14 Savoy operas as now generally performed on the right hand page whilst on the left hand page Ian Bradley has noted explanations of words and phrases and also includes the words of many songs and sections of libretto that were cut from the repertoire by Gilbert. The book is well researched and full of useful information.No Gilbert & Sullivan fan should be without it.
Book Review: Pure, ecstatic joy for any G&S fan, A MUST BUY!
Summary: 5 Stars
Ian Bradley at his best, accurately researched, beautifully written and excitedly well executed. I cannot think of a more suitable author for such a mammoth task. In this ode to all things Gilbert and Sullivan, Ian Bradley shines. What a vast wealth of anecdotes, parodies and previously unknown information; beautiful edited by the well-known and much loved Gilbert and Sullivan expert Ian Bradley. With his wit, knowledge and passion for the subject Bradley takes us through every comic operetta ever to be created by the famous pair. A full, completed picture of Victorian Musical theatre. A must buy for any G&S fan, young or old. Ideal as a gift -true value for money!
Book Review: Utterly dotty and marvellous
Summary: 5 Stars
What a wonderfully outrageous and essential book this is. Gilbert and Sullivan have faded somewhat from the public eye in recent years, so this book containing the complete text from all their operettas is a reminder of the extraordinary wit, humour and lemon-sharp satire G&S produced. The book also contains brief histories of each production, and annotates changes made during the course of the original performances. Although some of the finer detail may, at times, seem a tad obscure, it is presented in a clear, thorough and humorous way. It is certainly never dull or tiresome, and it's a refreshing reminder that many of those who were once in the public eye achieved their fame by actually having a talent or two.
The book is a table-cracking 1,197 pages in length, so it isn't likely you'll be carrying it around with you too regularly. But what a splendid way to while away a Sunday afternoon. You might even be tempted to open the windows and sing a line or two, just like any sensible modern major general might.
Book Review: Just what I needed
Summary: 4 Stars
As a latecomer to the delights of G&S, this book is perfect. Excellent notes on the works accompany thorough, easily readable lyrics - which add enormously to the enjoyment of G&S CDs
The downside? - it's neither small nor light!
Good value; recommended