There has long been a need for an accessible, comprehensive--and affordable--single-volume life of Swift. This thoughtful, judicious biography promises to fill that need for our generation.
Few author's reputations have fluctuated as wildly as Jonathan Swift's. From the beginning, critics and biographers divided into two camps--one hailing a champion of liberty, the other reviling a sadistic misanthrope. For years, moreover, an understanding of Swift's life was clouded by legends of his madness and mysteries surrounding his romantic attachments. Modern scholarship had swept all of this away, however, giving us a much sounder factual basis for comprehending the man's life and work.
David Nokes portrays the author of Gulliver's Travels in his multifarious roles as satirist, politician, churchman, and friend. Combining the latest findings of Swiftian scholarship with an astute critical eye, he restores a proper balance between the specialist critics who have overemphasized specific themes or genres in Swift's work and the generalist critics who have missed many of the particularities of Swift's ironies. In so doing, Nokes gives us a biography very much in the spirit Swift himself endorsed: "a conservative humanism which saw specialisation as a first dangerous step towards that distorted simplification of complex human phenomena which characterized the views of all factions and fanatics."
About the Author:
David Nokes is Lecturer in English at King's College, the University of London.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
This biography is a new scholarly ex amination of Swift and his perilous times. It cannot substitute for Irvin Eh renpreis's massive Swift, The Man, His Works and The Age (1962-83; see LJ 3/ 1/84), but it will be very useful to read ers seeking a more succinct look at a complex and often contradictory his torical figure. Nokes offers fresh in sights into the Dean's public and pri vate lives, maintaining a balanced view of even the most controversial ques tions, e.g., Swift's relationships with the women "Stella" and "Vanessa." The useful discussions of major works are smoothly integrated into the bio graphical sections, and overall Nokes succeeds admirably in his goal of giving "a portrait of the whole man in his mul tifarious roles." Recommended for all subject collections. Starr E. Smith, Georgetown Univ. Lib., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
FREE shipping within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speedsSeller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. 1st. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP16518759
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: BooksRun, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. First Edition. Ship within 24hrs. Satisfaction 100% guaranteed. APO/FPO addresses supported. Seller Inventory # 0198128347-11-1
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Basement Seller 101, Cincinnati, OH, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Seller Inventory # 240823046
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: St Vincent de Paul of Lane County, Eugene, OR, U.S.A.
Condition: Acceptable. hardcover The item is fairly worn but still readable. Signs of wear include aesthetic issues such as scratches, worn covers, damaged binding. The item may have identifying markings on it or show other signs of previous use. May have page creases, creased spine, bent cover or markings inside. Packed with care, shipped promptly. Seller Inventory # P-06-4235
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: The Maryland Book Bank, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Used - Very Good. Seller Inventory # 12-J-2-0220
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Harrisburg, PA, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: Good. Torn/worn dj. Good hardcover with some shelfwear; may have previous owner's name inside. Standard-sized. Seller Inventory # mon0000211709
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Hardback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR002344479
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Hardback. Condition: Fair. A readable copy of the book which may include some defects such as highlighting and notes. Cover and pages may be creased and show discolouration. Seller Inventory # GOR006717300
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Jeff Stark, Barstow, CA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good Plus. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Previous owners last name on end paper corner. All else is unmarked and fine in a very good jacket. Blue Oxford hardcover. Seller Inventory # 060995
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned. Ex library copy with usual stamps & stickers. No dust jacket. Seller Inventory # rev1750876116
Quantity: 1 available