Wren, Gayden - A Most Ingenious Paradox

Most books written about Gilbert & Sullivan have focused on the authors rather than the works. With this detailed examination of all fourteen operas, Gayden Wren fills this void. His bold thesis finds the key to the operas' longevity, not in the clever lyrics, witty dialogue, or catchy music, but in their timeless themes, which speak to audiences as powerfully now as they did the first time the operas were performed. This volume is essential reading for any devotee of these enchanting works, or indeed for anyone who loves musical theater.

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CONTENTS

Introduction
1 Gilbert before Sullivan
2 Sullivan before Gilbert
3 Thespis
4 Trial by Jury
5 The Sorcerer
6 H.M.S. Pinafore
7 The Pirates of Penzance
8 Patience
9 Iolanthe
10 Princess Ida
11 The Mikado
12 Ruddigore
13 The Yeomen of the Guard
14 The Gondoliers
15 Utopia, Limited
16 The Grand Duke
17 Gilbert after Sullivan, Sullivan after Gilbert
18 Legacy
Appendix A: The Story of the Savoy Operas
Appendix B: Revisions to Ruddigore
Notes
Bibliography
Index