The Beggar's Opera

Antiquarian & Collectible Ballad Opera Satirical Opera 18th-Century Literature Theatre History English Satire Literary Reproductions

John Gay’s 1728 satirical ballad-opera, The Beggar’s Opera, revolutionized the London stage and this 1961 Argonaut Books hardcover—issued in Switzerland with a protective slipcase—hands collectors a crisp, well-preserved copy of that landmark text. Unlike fragile 18th-century originals, this reproduction marries antique content with modern bookmaking: the pages are clean, the binding is tight, and there is no prior-owner ink, dog-earing, or ex-libris stamping. The matching slipcase shields the book on the shelf while still showing just enough age-appropriate wear to confirm its vintage status.

Inside, readers meet the roguish anti-hero Captain Macheath, the scheming Peachum clan, and a string of catchy ballads that parody both Italian opera and the political corruption of the day. Gay’s witty libretto skewered prime ministers and highwaymen alike, turning low-life taverns into high-art satire and paving the way for later masterpieces such as The Threepenny Opera. Scholars treasure the play’s cultural impact; performers still stage it for its evergreen commentary on crime, capitalism, and hypocrisy.

For collectors of theatre history, English satire, or 18th-century literature, this edition offers the best of both worlds: the complete, unabridged text in highly readable condition and a presentation piece that looks impressive on the shelf. Because Argonaut’s 1961 print run was small, copies surface far less often than mass-market reprints, making this hardcover an affordable entry point into antiquarian collecting without the five-figure price tag of a first edition.

Refer to our eBay listing for a full condition report and many more high-quality pictures of this item.

Buy Now Questions