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Gulliver's Travels and Other Writings

jonathan swift clement hawes

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This volume helps readers situate one of the most popular adventure novels ever written, Gulliver's Travels, within the 18th-century process of inventing and resisting Great Britain. Ideas of nationalism--both Irish and British--are questioned and explored. Gulliver's Travels is interpreted as a critique of British colonial aggression, and has special appeal for courses in British literature and Irish studies. Supplemental materials include additional writings by Swift, such as pamphlets (including the famous "A Modest Proposal"), sermons, poems, and letters. A wealth of critical essays adds further context.

448 pages, Paperback

First published November 1,1962

This edition

Format
448 pages, Paperback
Published
August 22, 2003 by Wadsworth Publishing
ISBN
9780618084913
ASIN
0618084916
Language
English

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About the author

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jonathan swift

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Jonathan Swift was an Anglo-Irish satirist, author, essayist, political pamphleteer (first for the Whigs, then for the Tories), poet, and Anglican cleric who became Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, hence his common sobriquet, "Dean Swift".
Swift is remembered for works such as A Tale of a Tub (1704), An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity (1712), Gulliver's Travels (1726), and A Modest Proposal (1729). He is regarded by the Encyclopædia Britannica as the foremost prose satirist in the English language. He originally published all of his works under pseudonyms—such as Lemuel Gulliver, Isaac Bickerstaff, M.B. Drapier—or anonymously. He was a master of two styles of satire, the Horatian and Juvenalian styles.
His deadpan, ironic writing style, particularly in A Modest Proposal, has led to such satire being subsequently termed "Swiftian".

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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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sudokia
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Gulliver's Travels is an utterly ridiculous tale that throws Lemuel Gulliver into a series of strange encounters. These encounters seem like alternate worlds that parallel our own society.

The novel was extremely appealing throughout because of the way the satire treats society. This is particularly evident in the response to the feudalism of the Lilliputs. Their society appears comical as they try to oppress the "giant" Gulliver.

There is also a seemingly sardonic take on the English Royal Society and its incredibly disgusting and often inane experiments.

Throughout the novel, Swift shows how a writer can take the ridiculous notions of society and twist them into something even more absurd. This serves to draw reflection on how we consider such aspects of our own society.

It makes us question the norms and values that we take for granted and see them from a different, often humorous, perspective.

Gulliver's Travels is a classic example of how satire can be used to critique society and make us think about the world we live in.
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Lea89
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Good memories are like precious treasures that we hold dear in our hearts. They are the moments that make us smile, laugh, or even shed a tear.

These memories can be of a special event, such as a birthday party or a family vacation. They can also be of a simple moment, like a walk in the park or a conversation with a friend.

No matter what they are, good memories have the power to brighten our day and give us a sense of warmth and happiness.

Sometimes, when we are feeling down or stressed, we can close our eyes and think back to these good memories. It can help us to relax and forget about our troubles for a while.

We should cherish our good memories and hold onto them tightly. They are a part of who we are and they can bring us joy and comfort throughout our lives.
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rondoblend
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I read this years ago too, but I still remember a lot of it. ;-)

It's quite remarkable how some things manage to stick in our memories for such a long time. This particular piece that I read several years ago has left a lasting impression on me. Despite the passage of time, many of the details and ideas within it remain清晰 in my mind. It's as if it had a certain charm or significance that made it stand out from the countless other things I've read over the years. I often find myself reflecting on those memories and wondering why this particular piece had such an impact on me. Maybe it was the way it was written, or perhaps it was the subject matter that spoke to me on a deeper level. Whatever the reason, I'm glad that I still remember it, as it serves as a reminder of the power of words and the lasting impressions they can leave.
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Dejv666
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I truly relished reading Gulliver's Travels!

However, I have no inkling whatsoever about what is happening in his "other writings."

To begin with, I must give credit to Gulliver for his remarkable adventurous spirit and fearlessness. Despite being captured by strange and bizarre creatures, it does not dampen his enthusiasm for his next journey. He is perhaps the forerunner of the "You Only Live Once" (YOLO) mentality.

Secondly, the satires in the book are both profound and timeless. I am in awe of how Jonathan Swift masterfully organizes his satires. In Lilliput, he mocks politics and governance, highlighting the absurdity of religious strife and warfare, as seen when the nations go to war over something as trivial as how to crack their eggs. In Brobdingnag, he satirizes societal morality. Gulliver is惊愕 when the King rejects the idea of using gunpowder, mankind's "greatest" invention, to intimidate his subjects into submission. In Laputa and the other islands, he takes numerous jabs at modern science and philosophy, likely referring to the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution. Finally, and this is my favorite part, in Houyhnhnm, he exposes the ugly truths about human nature. It is fitting that in this final chapter, Gulliver concludes his lifelong adventures after being completely disillusioned and disgusted by humanity.

I highly recommend these reads. Although they may not be overly exciting, I can understand why they have come to be regarded as "classic literature."
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JabaCsmHater
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Gulliver's Travels is a remarkable work that takes readers on a series of extraordinary adventures. It explores various themes and satirizes different aspects of society.


A Tale of a Tub is another significant piece by Swift. It delves into religious and political matters, using satire to make pointed comments.


The Battle of the Books is a humorous and thought-provoking work that engages in a fictional battle between the ancient and modern writers.


A Discourse Concerning the Mechanical Operation of the Spirit examines the role of the spirit and its connection to human behavior.


The Abolishing of Christianity in England presents a satirical view of the state of religion in England at that time.


The Bickerstaff Papers, including Predictions, The Accomplishment, and A Vindication, offer a range of satirical and humorous writings.


The Examiner: No. 14, Nov. 9, 1710, provides further insights into Swift's views and commentary.


The Drapier's Letters: The First Letter is an important work that addresses political and social issues.


A Modest Proposal is perhaps one of Swift's most famous and controversial works, presenting a shocking and satirical solution to a social problem.


Swift's Correspondence, such as Journal to Stella, Letters II, L, Swift to John Gay, and Swift to Alexander Pope, gives us a glimpse into his personal relationships and thoughts.


Finally, Swift's Poems, including A Description of the Morning, A Description of a City Shower, Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift, D.S.P.D., and On Poetry: A Rhapsody, showcase his literary talent and creativity in the realm of poetry.

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xXDAGGERHEARTXx
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
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flickec
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I listened to "Gulliver's Travels" solely on audiobook, which is something I hardly ever do.

Not that there's anything wrong with reading that way. Personally, I prefer to annotate while reading. Also, I find that I pay better attention when I have the physical book in front of me.

Interestingly, I only realized about a week ago that this is the wrong version of the book. However, I don't care enough to search for the correct one on Goodreads.

Despite my less than full attention, I have to admit that I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had initially hoped. There were indeed some parts that managed to hold my attention, and I do appreciate Jonathan Swift's satirical jabs at his contemporary government.

But as the book progressed, my interest waned. The final section was even downright offensive to me. I think I simply got tired of the absurdity and nonsense.

Nevertheless, I'm glad to have crossed this classic off my reading list. However, I won't be going around singing its praises.
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quartz_goblin
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This was a bit of a struggle.

At certain moments, it seemed to verge on being more than I could manage. I started to feel dispirited and discouraged. My reading pace slowed to a crawl as I got lost in its complex and labyrinthine passages. I felt almost suffocated under the overwhelming deluge of description and exposition.

Thankfully, I managed to rally. And in the end, I raced over the finish line. As I did so, the book itself took on an entirely new dimension of profundity in its final section.

Far more than just an imaginative adventure story parody as its reputation might suggest, this is a truly daring masterpiece. It sharply and mercilessly critiques almost every element of "modern" society and "civilization." It touches on colonialism and war, the structures and politics of nations, and even the most basic human interactions. And all of this is achieved with such a brilliant and hyperactive imagination that it goes way beyond anything else to be found in literature.

If Alan Moore had written in the 1700s while on a continuous speed binge, you might get something along these lines.

Part of the problem for me, however, is the unvarying tone. It is all so matter-of-fact, almost prehistoric in its approach when compared to the diverse moods and voices of the modern and postmodern authors who have filled our reading lists for the past century or so.
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