John Gay

Birth: 1685-06-30 , Barnstaple

Death: 1732-12-04 , Londres

John Gay (1685-1732) was an English poet and playwright. He is best known for his ballad opera, 'The Beggar's Opera', which became a landmark in British musical theatre. Gay was a member of London's literary circle, which included figures like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift. His work is often characterized by a satirical tone and keen observation of the society of his time.

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Cowards are cruel, but the brave Love mercy, and delight to save.

The process of learning requires not only hearing and applying but also forgetting and then remembering again.

It is not giving children more that spoils them; it is giving them more to avoid confrontation.

True luck consists not in holding the best of the cards at the table; luckiest is he who knows just when to rise and go home.

Friends are the sunshine of life.

When men and women are able to respect and accept their differences then love has a chance to blossom.

The absolute fundamental aim is to make money out of satisfying customers.

He best can pity who has felt the woe.

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus.

They’ll tell thee, sailors, when away,

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John Gay was born in Barnstaple, Devonshire. He was educated at Bideford Grammar School. After a period as an apprentice silk merchant, Gay turned to writing. His first significant publication was the poem 'Rural Sports' in 1713. He gained considerable fame with 'The Beggar's Opera' in 1728, a scathing satire of Britain's political and social system, which also popularized the ballad. Other important works include 'Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London' and the farce 'The Rehearsal at Gotham'. Despite his success, Gay frequently struggled with financial difficulties. He died on December 4, 1732, in London and was buried in Westminster Abbey.