Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA superb examination of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operas... Highly recommended.Library Journal Library Journal Rich, challenging, irritating, inspiring, provocative, just what one wants in a new G&S study, this is a worthwhile albeit tough read. CHOICE Williams substantive study is all the more praiseworthy because her biting insights into gender and sexuality, sharpened through the lens of contemporary critical theory, are tucked within what could pass as a much more staid study of Gilbert and Sullivan. -- Josephine Lee Nineteenth Century Gender Studies Unmodified rapture should best describe the scholarly reponse to this exciting contribution to a broad swath of disciplines... Victorian Studies this book will be an important reference point for future discussions of Gilbert and Sullivan, gender, and the Victorian stage. -- Benjamin D. O'Dell English Literature in Transition, 1880-1920 [A] triumphant cultural history. -- Joseph Bristow Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900 An outstanding pick... this is a recommendation for any college-level course in Gilbert and Sullivan, and for readers who would receive a fine reinterpretation of their works and impact. Midwest Book Review
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Part I. Genres 1. Outmoding Classical Extravaganza, Englishing Opera Bouffe: Thespis 2. Gender in the Breach: Trial by Jury 3. English Magic, English Intoxication: The Sorcerer 4. "Never Mind the Why and Wherefore": The Parody of Nautical Melodrama in H.M.S. Pinafore 5. Recollecting Illegitimacy: The Pirates of Penzance Part II. Genders 6. New Light on Changing Gender Norms: Patience 7. Transforming the Fairy Genres: Women on Top in Iolanthe 8. War Between the Sexes: Princess Ida Part III. Cultures 9. Estrangement and Familiarity: The Mikado 10. Mixing It Up: Gothic and Nautical Melodrama in Ruddigore 11. The Past Is a Foreign Country: The Yeomen of the Guard 12. Imaginary Republicanism: The Gondoliers 13. Capitalism and Colonialism: Utopia, Limited 14. Continental Recollections: The Grand Duke After Gilbert and Sullivan: The Momentum of Parody Notes Index
