The Beggar's Opera - Softcover

Gay, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1495437124 ISBN 13: 9781495437120

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014

Synopsis

The tale of Peachum, thief-taker and informer, conspiring to send the dashing and promiscuous highwayman Macheath to the gallows, became the theatrical sensation of the eighteenth century. In "Beggar's Opera," John Gay turned conventions of Italian opera riotously upside-down, instead using traditional popular ballads and street tunes, while also indulging in political satire at the expense of the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Gay's highly original depiction of the thieves, informers, prostitutes and highwaymen thronging the slums and prisons of the corrupt London underworld proved brilliantly successful in exposing the dark side of a corrupt and jaded society.

About this title

Review:

"Offers a useful performance history of the satirical ballad-opera...the New Mermaids [edition] includes music as well as words for the songs."--"Plays International"

Offers a useful performance history of the satirical ballad-opera...the New Mermaids [edition] includes music as well as words for the songs. Plays International"

"Offers a useful performance history of the satirical ballad-opera...the New Mermaids [edition] includes music as well as words for the songs." --Plays International

About the Author:

John Gay (1685–1732) was an English poet and dramatist and member of the Scriblerus Club. He is best remembered for The Beggar's Opera (1728), a ballad opera. The characters, including Captain Macheath and Polly Peachum, became household names.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1495437124
• ISBN 13: 9781495437120
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 68