Academy of Music. Her Majesty's Ship 'Pinafore', or, the Lass that Loved a Sailor... The Profits derived from the Sale of the Book will be given to Local Charities, to be disbursed by His Worship the Mayor
Melbourne, printed by William Marshall, 1879.
Duodecimo, [vi] (advertisements on orange or purple paper), 28 pages plus 8 full-page lithographed portrait illustrations by Charles Turner depicting specific actors in key roles from the opera (thus, R.L. Skinner as Ralph; Mrs Lingard as Josephine; W.H. Lingard as the Admiral; Miss Wiseman as Hebe; John Forde as the Captain; Mrs J.L. Hall as Buttercup; J.L. Hall as Deadeye; and young Harry Hall as Midshipmite).
Pink wrappers with the title page details repeated (within an ornamental border, and with not-insignificant variation) on the front cover; minimal conservation to the (lightly discoloured and marked) wrappers and the first advertising leaf; a very good copy, with the plates in fine condition. The title page has the imprint 'Melbourne, Wm. Marshall, Printer, "Lorgnette" Office, Melbourne, 1879'; the wrapper has 'Melbourne, Wm. Marshall, General Show Printer and Engraver, 1879'.
This is the libretto of Gilbert and Sullivan's 'Entirely Original Comic Opera'. Libretti in this format, with Australian imprints, are not at all uncommon. However, we have not seen one as grand as this before, with its large complement of fine lithographs - and according to Trove, no institution even has one. The elaborate nature of this edition may be explained by the fact that it appears to have been produced for the opening night (Saturday 7 June 1879) of the Australian premiere season of this perennial favourite.
Item #102690
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