The Bab Ballads (version 2)

"The Bab Ballads (version 2)" is a collection of humorous poems written by W. S. Gilbert and illustrated with his own comic drawings. These ballads were created by Gilbert before he gained fame for his comic opera librettos with Arthur Sullivan. In this collection, Gilbert developed his unique "topsy-turvy" style, where he presents ridiculous scenarios and follows them through to their absurd conclusions, resulting in comedic effects. The Ballads also showcase Gilbert's cynical and satirical approach to humor. They became well-known in their own right and served as a source of inspiration for Gilbert and Sullivan's popular operas, providing ideas for plots, characters, and songs. The name of the collection derives from Gilbert's childhood nickname, and he even signed his illustrations as "Bab." The Bab Ballads stand out in the English language as a one-of-a-kind combination of satire, nonsense, and sheer absurdity. These poems were often read aloud at private dinner parties and public