Poems by the writer of The Beggar's Opera. John Gay had a humorously sardonic view of human nature. From three centuries ago, his Fables show that nothing changes. All life is here - charlatans, doxies, thugs, misers, the self-deluded, the gossips, the opportunist politicians ... and many animals who know better. Fully illustrated with line drawings by Dandi Palmer. From "The Elephant and the Bookseller": - When wrinkling with a sneer, his trunk, "Friend," quoth the Elephant, "you're drunk; E'en keep your money, and be wise: Leave man on man, to criticise; For that you ne'er can want a pen,...
Poems by the writer of The Beggar's Opera. John Gay had a humorously sardonic view of human nature. From three centuries ago, his Fables show that not...
John Gay, David Lindley, Prof. Vivien Jones (University of Leeds, Leeds)
Written in 1728, John Gay's opera caricatures society, marriage and Italian operatic style in this comic satire which is considered revolutionary because it took on poverty and corruption as its subject as told by the thieves, prostitutes and villains of the slums and prisons of 18th century London. The lyrics were set to famous songs the day making it hugely popular with audiences and a radical departure from traditional opera. Bertolt Brech and Kurt Weill's The Threepenny Opera is based on this work.
In the story Peachum is horrified to learn of their daughter's secret...
Written in 1728, John Gay's opera caricatures society, marriage and Italian operatic style in this comic satire which is considered revolutionary b...
A scholarly edition of poetry and prose by John Gay. The edition presents an authoritative text, together with an introduction, commentary notes, and scholarly apparatus.
A scholarly edition of poetry and prose by John Gay. The edition presents an authoritative text, together with an introduction, commentary notes, and ...
