
Fifty "Bab" Ballads: Much Sound and Little Sense
Witty Verse Collection: Satirical British Humor from Victorian EraBy W. S. GilbertLength2h 55m
About this audiobook
W. S. Gilbert'Äôs "Fifty 'Bab' Ballads: Much Sound and Little Sense" is a delightful collection of whimsical verse that satirizes contemporary culture and societal norms through a lighthearted yet incisive lens. Characterized by its playful rhymes, rhythmic structure, and clever wordplay, Gilbert'Äôs ballads engage with absurdity and offer a humorous critique on a variety of topics, from love and folly to human eccentricities. Written during the height of the Victorian era, this collection embodies the spirit of both literary innovation and social commentary prevalent in 19th-century English literature. W. S. Gilbert, best known for his collaboration with composer Arthur Sullivan in the creation of comic operas, was deeply rooted in the theatrical traditions of his time. His background in law and theatre, combined with a sharp wit and a keen sense of satire, enabled him to craft works that entertain while provoking thought. Gilbert'Äôs unique experiences and observations about societal conventions undoubtedly fueled the inspiration behind "Fifty 'Bab' Ballads," showcasing his sharp intellect and comedic genius. This engaging collection is highly recommended for readers seeking both amusement and insight. Each ballad is a bite-sized exploration of humanity that invites laughter while encouraging reflection, making it an essential read for fans of light verse, satire, and Victorian literature.
Audiobook details
GenreHumor
Length2 hrs 55 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 22, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1PREFACE.
24ELLEN McJONES ABERDEEN.
2CAPTAIN REECE.
25PETER THE WAG.
3THE RIVAL CURATES.
26TO THE TERRESTRIAL GLOBE. BY A MISERABLE WRETCH.
4ONLY A DANCING GIRL.
27GENTLE ALICE BROWN.
5TO A LITTLE MAID By a Policeman.
28MISTER WILLIAM.
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6THE TROUBADOUR.
29THE BUMBOAT WOMAN’S STORY.
7FERDINANDO AND ELVIRA; Or, the Gentle Pieman.: PART I.
30LOST MR. BLAKE.
8PART II.
31THE BABY’S VENGEANCE.
9TO MY BRIDE (WHOEVER SHE MAY BE.)
32THE CAPTAIN AND THE MERMAIDS.
10SIR MACKLIN.
33ANNIE PROTHEROE. A LEGEND OF STRATFORD-LE-BOW.
11THE YARN OF THE “NANCY BELL.” [44]
34AN UNFORTUNATE LIKENESS.
12THE BISHOP OF RUM-TI-FOO.
35THE KING OF CANOODLE-DUM.
13THE PRECOCIOUS BABY. A VERY TRUE TALE.
36THE MARTINET.
14TO PHŒBE. [59]
37THE SAILOR BOY TO HIS LASS.
15BAINES CAREW, GENTLEMAN.
38THE REVEREND SIMON MAGUS.
16THOMAS WINTERBOTTOM HANCE.
39MY DREAM.
17A DISCONTENTED SUGAR BROKER.
40THE BISHOP OF RUM-TI-FOO AGAIN.
18THE PANTOMIME “SUPER” TO HIS MASK.
41THE HAUGHTY ACTOR.
19THE GHOST, THE GALLANT, THE GAEL, AND THE GOBLIN.
42THE TWO MAJORS.
20THE PHANTOM CURATE. A FABLE.
43EMILY, JOHN, JAMES, AND I. A DERBY LEGEND.
21KING BORRIA BUNGALEE BOO.
44THE PERILS OF INVISIBILITY.
22BOB POLTER.
45THE MYSTIC SELVAGEE.
23THE STORY OF PRINCE AGIB.
46PHRENOLOGY.