Swift: Collection of Critical Essays (20th Century Views)

Rescuing Jonathan Swift from the disgust and near-hatred of earlier readers, twentieth century critics have rediscovered an outspoken commentator on the complex mystery of human nature. From under the shadow of "Swift the half-mad misanthrope" emerges the figure of a philosopher, artist, and satirist who rejects the characteristically modern view of man as perfectible through his own efforts. The critical reinstatement of the author of Gulliver's Travels is a dramatic process that illustrates modern criticism at its creative best. Among the essays included in this collection are: THE IRONY OF SWIFT; THE EXCREMENTAL VISION; SITUATIONAL SATIRE: A commentary on the Method of Swift; CONCLUSION TO JONATHAN SWIFT AND THE AGE OF COMPROMISE.