The Complete Plays of Gilbert and Sullivan: Play Guide and Free Edition
The Complete Plays of Gilbert and Sullivan: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Complete Plays of Gilbert and Sullivan is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Gilbert, W. S. (William Schwenck) (1836–1911); Sullivan, Arthur (1842–1900).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Complete Plays of Gilbert and Sullivan" by Sir Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert is a collection of operas created in the late 19th century, encompassing a delightful array of comic operas which are renowned for their wit, clever lyrics, and intricate musical compositions. The opening portion introduces "The Gondoliers," highlighting its comedic and whimsical exploration of social themes, including class and monarchy, through the lives and interactions of gondoliers in Venice. At the start of "The Gondoliers," the scene is set in the picturesque Piazzetta of Venice, where groups of contadine (young maidens) are preparing bouquets for two distinguished gondoliers, Marco and Giuseppe. As the gondoliers arrive, both men are presented with floral tributes by the maidens enamored with them, creating a lively atmosphere filled with excitement. The narrative quickly unfolds into a series of lighthearted misadventures involving a mistaken identity regarding royal lineage, highlighting the tension between their humble lives and their unexpected royal duties. The characters’ playful banter, combined with Gilbert's sharp social commentary, sets the stage for a comedic exploration of love, duty, and the absurdities of class distinctions. The dynamic between the gondoliers and their potential brides encapsulates the humor and charm that are hallmarks of Gilbert and Sullivan's collaboration.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Complete Plays of Gilbert and Sullivan
- Author credits: Gilbert, W. S. (William Schwenck) (1836–1911); Sullivan, Arthur (1842–1900)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Operas -- Librettos
Gutenberg collections
- Banned Books from Anne Haight's list
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Humour
- Category: Music
- Category: Plays/Films/Dramas
- Opera
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


