Savage Satire: The Story of Jonathan Swift (World Writers)

Aykroyd, Clarissa

ISBN 10: 1599350270 ISBN 13: 9781599350271

Publisher: Morgan Reynolds Pub, 2006

Synopsis

A biography of the Anglo-Irish writer who enjoyed shocking his readers.

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Reviews

Grade 7–10—This well-researched work introduces the oft-frustrated clergyman who never quite achieved the high position he desired, and who channeled his strong opinions about the religious and governmental upheavals of 18th-century Europe into satirical writing. Commentary is included on Gulliver's Travels as well as on Swift's other works, such as the satirical essay "A Modest Proposal," wherein the author unabashedly recommended that poverty in Ireland could be ended if parents cannibalized their children. Unfortunately, the book frequently reverts to a less-than-dynamic recounting of events, and access is problematic. The text runs together visually; bold words, section breaks, and headings are noticeably absent, as are a glossary and a more intuitively arranged index (one must search under "Swift, Jonathan, works" to find Gulliver's Travels). Still, this title stands alone as a biography of the author for young adults, and it is an adequate research tool.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT
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Born in Ireland to English parents, brought up in both countries, and greatly involved in English political affairs, Swift traveled frequently between England and Ireland before finally settling rather unhappily in Dublin in 1713 as the dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral. For many years, he took up the causes of the Irish people in caustic, ironic, anonymous, and often-effective pamphlets, but he is best remembered as the author of Gulliver's Travels. Aykroyd does a good job of presenting what is known of Swift's life and his engagement with the complex political landscape of his times while refraining from speculation about what is unknown and perhaps, at this point, unknowable. The color illustrations include period portraits, paintings, prints, maps, and documents. A time line, a chapter-by-chapter list of source notes, and lists of books and Internet sites are appended. High-school students will find this a useful, informative introduction to the man's life, politics, and writings. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Morgan Reynolds Pub
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1599350270
• ISBN 13: 9781599350271
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 160