Book Review of: An Introduction to the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas, by Fredric Woodbridge Wilson. (New York: The Pierpont Morgan Library in association with Dover Publications, 1989. ISBN 048626386X) (Admittedly, The Midwestern Gilbert and Sullivan Society spends a good deal of time playing catch-up. We never had a review of this book when it first came out (we never had a reviewer, either), so when one of our Florida members, A.G. Thurston, offered to write a review, we took him up on it. Bet- ter late than never, here it is:) The author states, "This book is intended as an introductory guide to the beloved operas of Gilbert and Sullivan," but if you, the reader, will excuse this observation and this aside, Fredric Woodbridge Wilson is wrong: this book is much more than the bare bones description he used to describe it. This book does give a modest but thorough description of each opera except Thespis and a recounting of each original production, the presentation of opening night performers, and a musical synopsis of major numbers. But there is more. What makes this book different than standard reference books covering the same material lies in the wealth of material Wilson used to embellish the book and the wealth of material which he had at his disposal. As the curator of the world's largest collection of Gilbert and Sullivan memorabilia, housed in the Pierpont Morgan Library, Wilson had at hand an "unparalleled" collection from which to select items to use in his book. And use them he did, judiciously. Included in each opera's synopsis are original pictures of the artists and their costumes, sketches of sets and performers (some were done by Gilbert himself), copies of music as written, cartoons, handbills, and even old photographs. Wilson added passages of dialogue, song lyrics, stage directions given in the libretti as they were published and performed during Gilbert's lifetime. Some passages differ slightly from today's accepted standard. What a treasure trove of Gilbert and Sullivan remembrances! The Pierpont Morgan Library lays claim to having the largest collection of Gilbert and Sullivan materials in the world, and the claim is supported by the wealth of fascinating facts con- cerning the two men and their works. In addition to the pre- viously-mentioned collectible-types, there are even more. In the back of the book is a two-columned chronology, covering three pages, of their accomplishments throughout their lifetimes. It is hard to believe that both men were so active creatively when working with or without each other. In one year, 1871, I counted the following writings for Gilbert: three comedies, a musical entertainment, a drama, and a book to theater adaption. As for Sullivan: a dramatic cantata and music supplied to The Merchant of Venice, plus joint creation of Thespis. Of interest in this chronology was Richard D'Oyly Carte who, early in the writing and composing careers of Gilbert and Sullivan also displayed his own talents in writing and composing. In an added text, Wilson details the Pierpont Morgan Library's collection on Gilbert and Sullivan. It would take too much time and space to list the items per se, but a few examples will show how comprehensive the collection is. Personal letters give so much information about the individual, and the letters tell of two men who kept in touch with the creative elements of their art world. their correspondence included many classical composers (Liszt, Elgar, and others), writers (Dickens, Bret Harte, and others), actors, artists, singers, the royals (Queen Victoria, others). These are mentioned only to show the depth of Gilbert and Sullivan's influence on English life. But, today, one hundred years later, if you hunger and thirst for a broad perspective on these two Victorian artists, sit down with this book (please buy your own) and be nourished with a satisfying Gilbert and Sullivan banquet. (The book is still available from Dover Publications, as far as we know, so if you don't already have a copy, you could either order it from them, or from your local bookstore.) [This article appeared in Issue 33 (March 1992) of Precious Nonsense, the newsletter of the Midwestern Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Posted by permission of Sarah Cole, Society Secre- tary/Archivist. For information on Society membership write to: The Midwestern Gilbert & Sullivan Society, c/o Miss Sarah Cole, 613 W. State St., North Aurora, IL 60542-1538.]