"Supplemented by Orel's extensive notes, the testimonials comprise a dual biography documenting the achievements of the men together and singly, and demonstrating that each had a successful career on his own. Gilbert, one of the major satirists of his day, was the author of numerous plays and poems, and Sullivan was a respected conductor and a composer of sacred music, songs and serious opera. The two emerge as very different personalities from each other: Gilbert had a biting wit and domineering nature, while Sullivan was known for his easy-going manner and penchant for gambling. Savoyards will appreciate these reminiscences, which illuminate many aspects of a remarkable collaboration."—Publishers Weekly

"Orel's compilation of forty extracts from reminiscences by G&C's contemporaries was a happy idea. The factual content will not surprise connoisseurs, but the perspectives are refreshing. The convoluted, euphemistic prose seems admirably suited to the subject; endless sentences and tortured circumlocutions abound, and readers should find themselves chuckling a fair bit."—Choice