Original Plays

'Original Plays Second Series' is a brilliant collection of dramatic works by the celebrated Victorian playwright and humorist W. S. Gilbert. Best known for his legendary collaboration with Arthur Sullivan, Gilbert’s solo theatrical ventures showcase his signature wit, satirical edge, and penchant for 'topsy-turvy' logic. This volume brings together a diverse selection of his most significant plays, ranging from biting social satires to poignant romantic dramas and whimsical fantasies.Included in this series are celebrated works such as 'Engaged', a cynical and hilarious farce that skewers Victorian social conventions regarding marriage and wealth, and 'Broken Hearts', a delicate fairy play set on a magical island. The collection also features 'Dan’l Druce, Blacksmith', a more somber and sentimental drama, and 'Gretchen', Gilbert’s unique dramatic interpretation of the Faust legend. Throughout the work, readers will encounter the sharp dialogue and intricate plotting that made Gilbert one of the most influential figures in the history of the English stage. This collection is an essential resource for students of drama and fans of nineteenth-century literature, providing a comprehensive look at the range and depth of Gilbert’s creative genius outside the realm of comic opera.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.