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Jonathan Swift: His Life And His World (2013)

by Leo Damrosch(Favorite Author)

4.4 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0300164998 (ISBN13: 9780300164992)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Yale University Press

review 1: I had no idea Swift was such a hero to the Irish, and long before he wrote “A Modest Proposal.” The mysteries of his relationships with Stella and Vanessa make for a lot of interesting speculation. I thought the second to last chapter, “The Disgusting Poems,” was the funniest; it made me laugh out loud (surprisingly, since I’m not that fond of bathroom humor). But it was then followed by a very sad last chapter, “Waiting for the End.” What a life. A jolly good read!
review 2: Today is St. Patrick’s Day, the perfect occasion to honor an esteemed son of Ireland and thank Goodreads Giveaways and Yale University Press for sending me this impressive volume. It was a pure pleasure to read. Engaging. Vivid. Fascinating. Soundly researched and written w... moreith a perceptible passion for history. Supplemented with a well-chosen collection of portraits and illustrations. Unraveling the enigmatic Swift could have been no small task, as the subject had deliberately shielded aspects of his life in layers of mystery and misdirection. An understandable defense given the atmosphere of gossip and persecution at the time. Swift had a magnetic and charming personality as well as a crafty intelligence. With wit and satire his writings reveal a keen reflection on human nature and strong views on social, political and economic issues that are as relevant today as they were three centuries ago. It is a beautiful book that I will cherish and reference for years to come. less

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