John Gay
John Gay | |
|---|---|
Oil painting by Godfrey Kneller of an unknown man traditionally identified as John Gay | |
| Born | 30 June 1685 |
| Died | 4 December 1732 (aged 47) |
| Known for | Poetry, drama, ballad opera |
| Notable work | The Beggar's Opera |
| Patron(s) | William Pulteney, 1st Earl of Bath; The third Earl of Burlington; Charles Douglas, 3rd Duke of Queensberry; Prince William, Duke of Cumberland |
John Gay (30 June 1685 – 4 December 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.