W. S. Gilbert

Birth: 1836-11-18 , Londres

Death: 1911-05-29 , Londres

Sir William Schwenck Gilbert was an English writer, playwright, and poet, best known for his collaboration with composer Sir Arthur Sullivan. Together, they created a series of fourteen light comic operas, including famous works such as 'H.M.S. Pinafore', 'The Pirates of Penzance', and 'The Mikado'. Their librettos are celebrated for their witty humor, clever wordplay, and social satire.

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I have a left shoulder-blade that is a miracle of loveliness. People come miles to see it. My right elbow has a fascination that few can resist. It is on view Tuesdays and Fridays, on presentation of visiting card.

“Is it weakness of intellect, birdie?” I cried,

[ The punishment of a billiard sharp :]

And make each prisoner pent

Three little maids who, all unwary,

To sit in solemn silence in a dull, dark dock,

[ Yum-Yum :] Everything is a source of fun.

And that singular anomaly, the lady novelist—

My family pride is something inconceivable. I can’t help it. I was born sneering.

Behold the Lord High Executioner!

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W. S. Gilbert was born in London and had a diverse career, practicing as a lawyer and later as a writer. His worldwide fame came from his partnership with Arthur Sullivan, which lasted for over twenty years. Gilbert was the principal lyricist and librettist, creating ingenious stories, eccentric characters, and dialogues filled with wit and irony. His comic operas satirized Victorian society, politics, and the social conventions of his time. In addition to his collaborations with Sullivan, Gilbert also wrote plays, short stories, and poems. His work 'The Bab Ballads' is a collection of short, rhyming poems that served as the basis for many of his operas. Gilbert was knighted (Knight Bachelor) in 1907.