Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter I
2. Preface VII
3. Contents XI
4. 1. Introduction 1
5. 2. Low Life and the Musical Background 11
6. 3. The Beggar’s Opera and Polly 35
7. 4. Other Continental and English Influences 53
8. 5. Low-Life Operas 66
9. 6. Pastoral and Village Operas 78
10. 7. Farce and Intrigue 100
11. 8. Satire and Burlesque 134
12. 9. Topical Operas: Social Scandal and Politics 164
13. 10. Other Ballad Operas: 1728–1800 192
14. Notes 221
15. Bibliography of Ballad Operas 237
16. General Bibliography 245
17. Index 251