Frilby: An Operatic Burlesque (1895)

Frilby: An Operatic Burlesque, published in 1895, is a satirical work by Frederic Almycarleton Sprague. The book is a parody of George du Maurier's novel Trilby, which was a popular sensation in the late 19th century. In Frilby, Sprague pokes fun at the pretensions and excesses of the opera world, while also commenting on the social and cultural mores of his time.The story follows the adventures of Frilby, a young woman who dreams of becoming an opera singer. She is discovered by a group of wealthy patrons, who take her under their wing and groom her for stardom. Along the way, Frilby encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including a mad scientist, a scheming rival, and a lovestruck tenor.Sprague's writing is witty and irreverent, and he uses the conventions of burlesque to lampoon the conventions of opera. The book is filled with comic set pieces, including a scene in which Frilby's voice is magically transformed by the scientist's invention, and a climactic performance in which she sings a ridiculous aria while being chased by a mob of angry villagers.Despite its humor, Frilby also offers a pointed critique of the elitism and snobbery of the opera world. Sprague's satire exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of the upper classes, while celebrating the talents and aspirations of the working-class heroine. Overall, Frilby is a lively and entertaining work that offers a unique perspective on the cultural and social milieu of the late 19th century.Words Also By Carleton Sprague And Original Music By Minott E. Robinson.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.