Life And Letters Of John Gay (1685-1732), Author of "The Beggar's Opera"

"Life and Letters of John Gay (1685-1732), Author of 'The Beggar's Opera'" by Lewis Melville is an early 20th-century biography exploring the life of John Gay, the 18th-century writer famed for "The Beggar's Opera". Melville's narrative explores Gay's connections with famous writers such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift, revealing both his successes and struggles. Beginning with Gay's upbringing in Devonshire, England, the book details his family history, education, and journey to London where he sought literary fame. The book details Gay's friendships and the literary circles he moved in, and his initial struggles and desires as an author, ultimately revealing the story of a man who left a lasting mark on literature.