Gilbert, under the pen-name "Bab," wrote a large number of "ballads" or verse for the journal Fun. These popular Bab Ballads, accompanied by Gilbert's drawings, were also a source for plots and songs for the Gilbert and Sullivan operas.

"The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan provides the complete text of all the Gilbert & Sullivan operas which are still performed today, together with extensive annotations covering 'lost' songs, alterations and additions, obscure allusions, production points, and comments of interest. Each opera has an introduction which places it in its context and provides a potted history of performances. No other book provides such extensive commentary on...

Provides anecdotes and a synopsis of all 14 operas as well as the complete libretto of each opera.