If you only own one book about Gilbert and Sullivan, this should be the one.
Yes, it's over forty years old. Yes, it hardly mentions the post-copyright period. And yes, it considers Peter Pratt's reign as "recent". But as a history of the partnership, well-researched and accurate, giving credit to all original sources, it is unparalleled.
In his research, Leslie Baily had free and wide-ranging discussions with Nancy Macintosh (Gilbert's adopted daughter and heiress), Julia Neilson and many others who had first-hand contact with the creators of the Savoy Operas.
I bought this book as a 13-year-old in 1968. It served as a basis for my love of Gilbert and Sullivan opera, and I am for ever grateful to its author.
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