A Modest Proposal and Other Satirical Works
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A Modest Proposal and Other Satirical Works

A Modest Proposal and Other Satirical Works

by Jonathan Swift

Overview


The originality, concentrated power and "fierce indignation" of his satirical writing have earned Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) a reputation as the greatest prose satirist in English language.
Gulliver's Travels is, of course, his world-renowned masterpiece in the genre; however, Swift wrote other, shorter works that also offer excellent evidence of his inspired lampoonery. Perhaps the most famous of these is "A Modest Proposal," in which he straight-facedly suggests that Ireland could solve its hunger problems by using its children for food. Also included in this collection are "The Battle of the Books," "A Meditation upon a Broomstick," "A Discourse Concerning the Mechanical Operation of the Spirit," and "An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity in England." This inexpensive edition will certainly be welcomed by teachers and students of English literature, but its appeal extends to any reader who delights in watching a master satirist wield words as weapons.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780486287591
Publisher: Dover Publications
Publication date: 02/02/1996
Series: Dover Thrift Editions
Edition description: Unabridged
Pages: 64
Sales rank: 182,952
Product dimensions: 5.19(w) x 8.25(h) x (d)
Age Range: 14 Years

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Modest Proposal and Other Satirical Works 4.5 out of 5 based on 0 ratings. 4 reviews.
BooksForDinner on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
I don't get it. What's so funny? I think this us a fine proposal, and easily instituted here in the USA. Eat 'em up, yum.
wendyrey on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
Brilliant.An exercise in extended irony, aimed at the English politicians who were willfully ignoring the Irish people devastated by the potato famine.
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
Joey?
Guest More than 1 year ago
Hence, the Modest proposal is truly a classic that underestimates the life time of 1700's. The British rule whom conquered the Irish for many centuries, left the children of the poor little babies of Ireland and suggested a proposal to wipe them all out. Even though at first you may think, Jonathan Swift is a maniac, insanely mad but he was writing against the English who had neglected the Irish for some time. His proposal says it all. Clearly if you understand the Modest Proposal, it will shed some glimpse of the past.