# W. Gilbert

## Biography

William Schwenck Gilbert was born in London in 1836. After an early life that included a brief kidnapping incident in Italy, he initially pursued a career in the military and then as a government clerk, neither of which he enjoyed. He subsequently became a barrister, but his true calling lay in writing. Gilbert began contributing humorous verse and dramatic criticism, often illustrated with his own "Bab" drawings, to popular magazines like *Fun*. These "Bab Ballads" later gained significant renown.

His most enduring legacy stems from his collaboration with composer Arthur Sullivan. Together, they created fourteen highly successful comic operas, including classics like *H.M.S. Pinafore*, *The Pirates of Penzance*, and *The Mikado*. These "Savoy operas" became a cornerstone of English musical theatre, known for Gilbert's distinctive "topsy-turvy" plots and witty lyrics. Knighted in 1907 for his contributions to drama, Gilbert continued to write until his death in 1911, which occurred while he was attempting to save a drowning woman.

## Books

- [The Complete Plays of Gilbert and Sullivan](https://samolit.com/books/96363)