SKU: 68350228557

Only Idle Chatter from Gilbert & Sullivan Austin

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Only Idle Chatter from Gilbert & Sullivan Austin"Only Idle Chatter" contains over 65 texts ranging from historical insights to production details, from personal reflections to high spirited entertainments. They are reprinted substantially as they appeared in Gilbert & Sullivan Austin newsletters and programs from 2010 to 2020 and were designed to create interest in playgoers new to Gilbert & Sullivan as well as to engage seasoned Savoyards. President Emerita Libby Weed provides a foreword, and

"Only Idle Chatter" contains over 65 texts ranging from historical insights to production details, from personal reflections to high-spirited entertainments. They are reprinted substantially as they appeared in Gilbert & Sullivan Austin newsletters and programs from 2010 to 2020 and were designed to create interest in playgoers new to Gilbert & Sullivan as well as to engage seasoned Savoyards.

President Emerita Libby Weed provides a foreword, and Ralph MacPhail, Jr., adds an introduction with acknowledgments, notes on the texts for which there was no room in their original, ephemeral publication, and an extensive list of references and suggestions for further reading.

"Everyone will learn something new from the apparently ephemeral pieces in this book. They are full of insight and understanding and, above all, joy."
--Andrew Crowther, author of "Gilbert of Gilbert & Sullivan" and "Contradiction Contradicted"; Secretary, The W. S. Gilbert Society

"An enjoyable read, 'Only Idle Chatter' is an interesting and above all affectionate insight into the art of effectively, and with honesty, producing a Gilbert script. From practical backstage traffic control issues to the touchier matters of navigating outdated or obscure references, MacPhail lets us in on the research and thought required for understanding a Savoy opera, without getting bogged down in academic detail or minutiae."
--Dr. Jeffrey Jones-Ragona, Music Director and Conductor, Gilbert & Sullivan Austin

"Ralph MacPhail, Jr., combines deep knowledge about Gilbert and Sullivan and their works with an erudite yet accessible writing style. His descriptions and analyses enhance the enjoyment that G&S provides to even the casual Savoyard."
--Diane Radin, President, Gilbert & Sullivan Austin

"In 'Only Idle Chatter,' Ralph MacPhail, Jr., brings unassuming expertise and a good-natured humor to his treatment of 10 Savoy operas and seven G&S-related rarities."
--Gayden Wren, author of "A Most Ingenious Paradox: The Art of Gilbert & Sullivan"

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SKU: 68350228557

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4.8 ★★★★★
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B
Bevan
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 4
...awkward book to rate...
Format: Kindle
This is an awkward book to rate as: the facts all seem to be there, hut the presentation is a touch below par for a 'Captivating History' book. There is a light garnish of literary and grammatical errors, a dose of waffle here and there, the chronology can jump back and forth and - I may have been distracted, but: I do not recall reading about what ultimately happened to Haile Selassie Most of the final, extended, chapter just repeats what has previously been covered. STILL - it's a most interesting period in history.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2023
F
F. R. Isom
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
A not often studied part of African history
Format: Kindle
This book presents the history of Ethiopia up to the Italian invasion as a backdrop giving the culture and the nature of the Ethiopian Empire. Ethiopia has a history of more than 3,000 years and converted to Christianity about the same time that the Roman Empire did. During the medieval period remained strong in Christianity and traded with the East as well as with medieval Europe. It was one of the most advanced countries in the world at that time. When Italy started trying to build up an empire and catch up because of its lag behind the rest of Europe in Empire building, Ethiopia was one of the last parts of Africa that was not yet a colony of a European power. Italy and made a failed attempt at conquering Ethiopia but when Mussolini took power in Italy he decided to rebuild the grandeur of Roman Empire. This book takes you through the war with Italy and tells it from the Ethiopian side as well as presenting some of the concepts of the Italian side as well. Hey you will also become acquainted with the major players on both sides of the Italian Ethiopian war. It is well researched and it describes the war, the struggle that both the Ethiopians and the Italians had during the war and the final conclusion and how the war ended. The book has been well researched and is very interesting. I found this to be an excellent book to explain the war in North Africa as well as the struggle for independence of the Ethiopians. This is a book that I would like to have had when I was teaching world history. I highly recommend this book and feel that it is a great addition to anyone's library.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2023
M
Michael States
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
A little-mentioned history
Format: Kindle
Captivating History has released a publication that tells of the period when Italy, under the government of Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia and overthrew the government of Haile Salassee. This war was revenge for Italy's loss against Ethiopia in 1896 but weakened Italy which helped its decision to align with Hitler. For Ethiopia, the invasion represented a major setback, as it lost its independence and became subject to Italian colonial rule until the defeat of Italy in World War II. Haile Selassie returned to Ethiopia in 1941 after the British, in alliance with Ethiopian resistance fighters, liberated the country. The Italian invasion of Ethiopia remains a significant event in African history, highlighting the consequences of colonial aggression and the limitations of international diplomacy in preventing such conflicts. It also played a role in shaping Ethiopia's determination to regain its sovereignty and become a symbol of African resistance against colonialism. This is a worthwhile read as it explores a little-known facet of African history.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2023
B
Verified Purchase
Biniam
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Here’s a strong Amazon-style headline for your review:

“A Clear, Engaging, and Accurate Overview of
Format: Kindle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book is an excellent read! It provides a well-organized and concise summary of Ethiopia’s entire history, which is no small task given the country’s rich and complex past. The writing is consistent, informative, and historically accurate, making it easy to follow and deeply engaging. I especially appreciate how it also includes insights into Eritrea’s history, offering a broader understanding of the region. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a solid, accessible introduction to Ethiopian and Eritrean history. Captivating History did a fantastic job!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2025
A
Verified Purchase
Andy McKinney
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 4
A compact history
Format: Paperback
Sometimes we want to take a historical subject that we know little about and get a brief gloss to learn enough to discover which parts of the subject we want to delve into at greater length. "History of Ethiopia" is exactly what we need to satisfy that desire. We get the entire history of the African nation, from the very ancient days up to this very year, 2022. naturally, we do not get many nuances. What we do get is the big picture. We know how the various periods in history fit together. From the Queen of Sheba to the nasty era of the Communist Derg, we get a little bit of everything. One irritation that I had was the coverage of the Ethiopian-Somalia war in the 1970s. The crucial role played by the Cuban army is committed entirely. On the other hand, the 1540 Portuguese expedition headed by Christopher da Gama is briefly but adequately covered. Save for the intervention of da Gama the kingdom might well have been lost. If you need a fast introduction to Ethiopia, this is a good place to begin. Captivating History, the maker, has dozens of similar books, often on specific, narrowly focuses topics.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2022

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