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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift is an extremely excellent novel. Jonathan Swift, an Irish satirist, crafted this remarkable work in 1726, which stands as the most renowned satirical novel. Swift is widely known for his satirical novels, and this one, the most famous of the 18th century, serves as compelling evidence of his talent.


There are two distinct ways to approach this novel. Firstly, it can be read as a satire, offering incisive critiques of society and human nature. Secondly, it can be enjoyed as a captivating fantasy and fiction story. The narrative is filled with humor and numerous engaging elements that draw the reader in.


The story commences with Gulliver, a ship's doctor. While aboard a ship, a sudden storm strikes out of nowhere, shattering the vessel into pieces. Gulliver manages to swim and, upon awakening, finds himself on an island. There, hundreds of tiny 6 to 7-inch-sized people, the Lilliputians, surround him. He is bound by ropes and unable to move. Subsequently, they transport him to their palace. Initially, they are afraid of him, but as he assists them in various ways due to his giant size, especially in a war, they begin to trust him. After spending a considerable amount of time with the Lilliputians, Gulliver eventually makes his way back home by ship, thus concluding this fictional and fantastical tale. In between, many humorous and unexpected events unfold, making the novel highly interesting and attractive.


This entire satire is a voyage firmly rooted in fiction and fantasy. After reading this novel, one experiences a sense of relaxation and happiness, as it is like an interaction with another world entirely based on imagination. It revolves around a journey that takes the reader on a captivating adventure. Moreover, this novel is also very accessible for beginners as it is relatively short and its vocabulary is easy to understand.


Therefore, in my opinion, this novel is an excellent choice for reading. It is not only highly interesting but also makes the reader extremely curious. It offers a fantastic way to enjoy a remarkable voyage filled with fiction, fantasy, and humor.

July 14,2025
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Jonathan Swift is a renowned author. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1667, the son of English parents. He was actively involved in politics. After spending years in England, he returned to Ireland and held the position of "Chaplain to the Lord Justice." Swift was a "Tory" and a supporter of the Irish resistance. His works are filled with a "wee bit of history."


"A Description of the Morning" (1709) by Jonathan Swift is a vivid portrayal of the morning scene. It describes various activities and characters. For example, "Now hardly here and there a hackney-coach/Appearing, showed the ruddy morn's approach." The poem also mentions Betty, the slipshod prentice, Moll, the youth with broomy stumps, the small-coal man, the chimney-sweep, and many others.


This edition of Swift's works not only includes "A Description of the Morning" but also has a collection of his poems, correspondence, and his politically incorrect, "A Tale of a Tub." It is a great addition to any literature lover's collection. The footnotes in this edition provide additional context and information, making it easier for readers to understand Swift's works.

July 14,2025
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The real rating I give this book is a 1.5 star. However, I put 2 just to be nice.

I just detested the ending and the unrelenting satire. It irritated me to no end. I firmly believe that I should be able to simply read a book without the need to analyze it and ponder over what Swift's intended meaning behind it is supposed to be.

The fact that Gulliver ends up conversing with his horses after all the experiences he has gone through is, in my opinion, far from being a great ending. It doesn't even make the book a great one.

The constant satire throughout the book seemed to overshadow any other aspects that might have been interesting. It felt like a never-ending barrage of criticism and mockery, which became tiresome after a while.

Maybe I'm not the right audience for this type of literature, but I just couldn't get past the ending and the overall tone of the book. It left me with a sense of dissatisfaction and disappointment.

In conclusion, while some may appreciate the depth and complexity of Swift's work, it just didn't resonate with me. I would not recommend this book to others who are looking for a straightforward and enjoyable read.

July 14,2025
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Gulliver's Travels and Other Writings (Bantam Classics) by Jonathan Swift (1984) is a remarkable collection. Swift's masterpiece, Gulliver's Travels, takes readers on a thrilling adventure. Gulliver visits various strange lands, encountering unique cultures and peculiar creatures. The story is not only entertaining but also a satirical commentary on society, politics, and human nature. In addition to Gulliver's Travels, this collection includes other writings by Swift, which further展示 his literary talent and wit. These works offer insights into the social and political issues of Swift's time. The Bantam Classics edition makes this collection accessible to a wide range of readers. With its engaging stories and thought-provoking themes, Gulliver's Travels and Other Writings is a must-read for anyone interested in literature and history.

July 14,2025
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Excellent book!!!


This is truly an outstanding book that captivates readers from the very first page. The author's writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing you into a world filled with vivid characters and exciting storylines. The plot is carefully crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book has something for everyone. It offers valuable insights, thought-provoking ideas, and entertaining moments that will leave you wanting more. The attention to detail is remarkable, making every scene come to life in your mind. You'll find yourself completely absorbed in the book, unable to put it down until you reach the final page. This is a must-read for any book lover!

July 14,2025
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Read this once or twice growing up; now re-reading it for a library book club I'm in. By reading this, I mean Gulliver's Travels - not the essays (other than A Modest Proposal, which I did re-read).


From previous readings, I mostly remembered Gulliver going to Lilliput, where he was the huge guy; then going to Brobdingnag (sp?), where he was the tiny guy. And then there was a land with talking horses, but no details from that stayed with me. I hadn't remembered a flying island or any of Gulliver's other pit stops, nor the length of his time away from home. So it's very likely that my previous readings were of an abridged or completely kid-oriented version of the book rather than the copy I currently have (which is pretty old and well-used).


Then vs. now: I remembered it as an adventure story with a bit of humor as Gulliver's [Swift's] society was compared and contrasted a little with each of the others. However, I did not know or remember the extent of the comparisons. The characters represented specific politicians, royalty, scientists, and philosophers, and the places represented London/Britain/Ireland/other specific real-world locations. I had remembered it as being light-hearted, but reading it as an adult, it was rather serious and very long-winded most of the time as philosophies and cultures were related (or skewered) in detail and at length, and specific lines of scientific inquiry were ridiculed.


I had not remembered any sexual references or much about marital relationships from previous readings, and there were a couple of the former and many comments about the latter. Gulliver was away from his wife for months to years at a time yet seems hardly to miss her while away and seems hardly to care once he returns. The same goes for Gulliver's child(ren). Gulliver comments on the women in the various societies he visits, yet almost nothing about his own family. It doesn't sound like Swift thought much of women, although I suppose that wasn't that unusual three hundred-odd years ago.


In our discussion of the book at the library book club, which is what I re-read it for this round, we decided the scientific explanation for the flying island could be read as a very early example of science fiction. We agreed that was pretty imaginative for the early 1700s.


This time around, I noticed the diagram for the literary machine (at the science academy, in the flying island portion of the book) and realized it was basically - or at least was very closely based on - a chart of Japanese syllables. I couldn't make a lot of them out, not being able to read the language, but they looked like handwritten versions of the printed versions of that alphabet. A quick Google search turned up someone else's reference to that chart as likely being based on a specific French chart of the Japanese alphabet from a little before Swift's time. Interestingly, that chart shows up in the book *before* the section in which Gulliver goes - very briefly - to visit Japan.


The book was well worth reading, for its imagination and various insights into good and bad aspects of society. Without knowing the history and settings of Swift's lifetime better, it was hard for me to know how Swift's contemporaries would have read it. How clearly would the historical, political, and scientific allusions have stuck out to them? Would they take it basically as we see lighthearted political roasts? Would they have been more amused or offended while reading it? How much would they have agreed or disagreed with his political and social opinions?


Lots to think about, but it wasn't as much fun as on previous reads when it was mostly an imaginative, fantastic adventure story.

July 14,2025
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Finally read this one.

It probably would have been much more fulfilling if I had a better understanding of the British history during the time frame in which he wrote.

However, even without that in-depth knowledge, some of the satire was still highly entertaining, especially considering the passage of time.

For example, his making fun of Isaac Newton's belief in gravity is now even more interesting.

In today's world, gravity is no longer questioned as a valid scientific principle but is widely accepted as the truth.

So, seeing how he poked fun at it back then adds an extra layer of humor.

And another little bonus was learning where the word "yahoo" came from.

It was quite an unexpected and interesting discovery.

Overall, despite my lack of historical context, this reading experience had its own charm and provided some valuable insights and entertainment.
July 14,2025
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Swift is, without a doubt, an extremely creative and clever individual.

The impact of this book on the current reader is significantly reduced as it has had such a profound influence that his ideas have been replicated to the extent that they have become clichés. However, despite this, the book still manages to be enjoyable.

Swift's unique style and innovative concepts were revolutionary in their time. His ability to think outside the box and present his ideas in a captivating and thought-provoking manner is truly remarkable.

Even though some of his ideas may now seem familiar, the underlying brilliance and creativity that went into formulating them are still evident. The book offers a fascinating glimpse into Swift's mind and his ability to satirize and comment on society.

Overall, while the book may not have the same impact on the current reader as it did when it was first published, it still has much to offer in terms of entertainment and intellectual stimulation.
July 14,2025
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The experience was overall good. However, I had anticipated a bit more from it.

To be honest, I didn't really like what could be described as the political aspects of it. It seemed that there were certain elements that were influenced by political considerations, which in my opinion, detracted from the overall quality and authenticity of the thing.

I had hoped for a more straightforward and pure experience, without the interference of these political undertones. But despite that, there were still some positive aspects that I could appreciate.

Nonetheless, the presence of those political aspects left me with a slightly disappointed feeling, as it didn't quite meet the full expectations I had initially set.
July 14,2025
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Funny.

Interesting.

An adventure. These three words perfectly describe the experience I had recently.

It all started when I decided to take a different route on my way home from work. Little did I know that this simple decision would lead to a hilarious and exciting adventure.

As I was walking, I noticed a small alley that I had never seen before. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to explore.

The alley was filled with colorful graffiti and strange noises. I was a bit scared at first, but as I walked further, I realized that there was nothing to be afraid of.

Suddenly, I heard a loud laugh coming from behind a dumpster. I cautiously walked over to investigate and found a group of street performers doing a hilarious skit.

I couldn't help but join in on the laughter and ended up staying to watch the entire performance.

After the show, I continued on my way home, feeling happy and entertained.

This unexpected adventure taught me that sometimes, taking a risk and trying something new can lead to the most amazing experiences.

So, the next time you're feeling bored or stuck in a rut, remember to be brave and embrace the unknown.

Who knows what kind of funny, interesting, and adventurous experiences await you?

July 14,2025
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The plot of this work is extraordinarily meh. It fails to engage the reader on a deep or exciting level. There is a lack of tension, drama, and overall excitement that one would expect from a captivating story.

However, when it comes to the social and political commentary, it is truly top-notch. The author has managed to address important issues in a thought-provoking and incisive manner. The commentary is relevant, timely, and offers unique perspectives that make the reader stop and think.

Despite the underwhelming plot, the social and political commentary elevates the work to a higher level. It makes it more than just a simple story and gives it a deeper meaning and significance.

Overall, while the plot may leave something to be desired, the social and political commentary is a definite strength of this work and makes it worth reading for those interested in these topics.
July 14,2025
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Gulliver's Travels is truly one of those remarkable classics.

Once you start reading it, you'll immediately understand the profound reason why it is held in such high regard. It is an absolute must-read, and this is precisely the sole reason why this book deserves a five-star rating.

Now, let's move on to the rest of the works.

Tale of a Tub left me with a sense of disjointedness. I continuously anticipated more of the story regarding the remaining brothers, especially Martin. After spending so much time on John and Swift's scathing criticism of Catholicism, it felt incomplete. Ultimately, it is really only of interest if you are a dedicated Swift scholar.

The Battle of the Books is rather amusing. However, I find it difficult to fully appreciate Swift's satire targeted at the "Moderns." Many of them, such as Hobbes and Boyle, we have come to respect just as much as his ancients. How can I take Swift seriously when he mocks a chemist who is partially responsible for the important equation PV = nRT?

The Abolishing of Christianity is quite good, and A Modest Proposal is simply wonderful. Nevertheless, much of the rest is, once again, of primary interest to those who are specifically intrigued by Swift and his era. Reading jibes aimed at people you've probably never heard of quickly loses its amusement value.

And what exactly is Swift's fixation with spleens? While Weird Al Yankovic's favorite organ might be his pancreas, Swift seemingly can't go more than a few pages without making a mention of spleens.

In conclusion, you should definitely read Gulliver's Travels, and perhaps some of the other works as well. Oh, and don't forget to bring your spleen along for the ride!
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