I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Bab Ballads by W. S. Gilbert. The poems are witty and clever, with a delightful blend of humor and satire. Gilbert's use of language is masterful, showcasing his talent as a wordsmith. The illustrations add an extra layer of charm to the collection, bringing the verses to life in a whimsical way. Overall, The Bab Ballads is a delightful and entertaining read that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Book Description:

The Bab Ballads are a collection of light verse by W. S. Gilbert, illustrated with his own comic drawings. Gilbert wrote the Ballads before he became famous for his comic opera librettos with Arthur Sullivan. In writing the Bab Ballads, Gilbert developed his unique “topsy-turvy” style, where the humour was derived by setting up a ridiculous premise and working out its logical consequences, however absurd. The Ballads also reveal Gilbert’s cynical and satirical approach to humour. They became famous on their own, as well as being a source for plot elements, characters and songs that Gilbert would recycle in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. The Bab Ballads take their name from Gilbert’s childhood nickname, and he later began to sign his illustrations “Bab”.