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John Gay

(1685 - 1732)

English poet, lyricist and playwright. Born Barnstaple, Devon September, 1685. Died London, 4 December, 1732

Stage Works

All were first performed in London and, unless otherwise indicated, are in prose.

1. The Mohocks. Tragi-comical farce, 2 acts. Published 1712.
2. The Wife of Bath. Comedy, 3 acts. Published 1713. Produced Drury Lane Theatre, May 15, 1713.
3. The What D'ye Call It. Tragi-comical-pastoral farce, 2 acts. Published 1715. Produced Drury Lane Theatre, 23 February, 1715.
   
4. Three Hours After Marriage. (With Alexander Pope and John Arbuthnot).Comedy, 3 acts. Published 1717. Produced Drury Lane Theatre, 16 January, 1717.
   
5. Diane. Pastoral tragedy, 5 acts; verse. Published 1720.
   
6. The Captives. Tragedy, 5 acts; verse. Published 1724. Produced Drury Lane Theatre, 15 January, 1724.
   
7. The Beggar's Opera. Ballad opera, 3 acts; prose with songs. Published 1728. Produced Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre, 29 January, 1728.
   
8. Polly. Opera, 3 acts; prose with songs. Published 1729. Produced Haymarket Theatre, 19 June, 1777, with revisions by George Colman the Elder.
   
9. Acis and Galatea. English pastoral opera. Published 1732. Produced Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre, 26 March, 1731. Music: George Frederick Handel.
   
10. Achilles. Opera, 3 acts; prose with songs. Published 1733. Produced Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre, 10 February, 1733.
    
11. The Distress'd Wife. Comedy, 5 acts. Published 1743. Produced Covent Garden Theatre, 5 March, 1734.
    
12. The Rehearsal at Goatham. Farce, 1 act. Published 1754.

CRITICISM

• L. S. Benjamin, The Life and Letters of John Gay, London, 1921;
• O. Sherwin, Mr. Gay, New York, 1929;
• P. F. Gaye, John Gay: His Place in the Eighteenth Century, London, 1938;
• A. P. Herbert, Mr. Gay's London, London, 1948;
• S. M. Armens, John Gay, Social Critic, New York, 1954;
• W. H. Irving, John Gay, Favorite of the Wits, reprint, New York, 1962;
• P. M. Spacks, John Gay, New York, 1965.