The Battle of the Books

by Jonathan Swift

Overview

The Battle of the Books is the name of a short satire written by Jonathan Swift and published as part of the prolegomena to his A Tale of a Tub in 1704. It depicts a literal battle between books in the King's Library (housed in St. James's Palace at the time of the writing), as ideas and authors struggle for supremacy. Because of the satire, "The Battle of the Books" has become a term for the Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns. (Wikipedia)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783958643895
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	11/28/2017
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	170
File size:	245 KB

About the Author

Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) was an Anglo-Irish satirist, essayist, and clergyman, whose sharp wit and keen observations on society have left an indelible mark on literature. Born in Dublin, Swift was educated at Trinity College before moving to England, where he became deeply involved in the political and literary circles of his time. Swift's career was marked by his dual roles as a writer and a cleric, becoming the Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.Swift's literary contributions are vast and varied, encompassing poetry, essays, and political pamphlets. His satirical style, characterized by irony and biting humor, was revolutionary, challenging the status quo and exposing the absurdities of contemporary society. Swift's works often critiqued the British government and its policies, particularly those affecting Ireland, earning him both acclaim and controversy.One of Swift's most notable controversies was his fierce opposition to the Whig party, which he believed was corrupt and detrimental to the welfare of the people. His political pamphlets, written under pseudonyms, were instrumental in swaying public opinion and showcased his mastery of rhetoric and satire.Swift's influence on contemporary writers is profound. His innovative use of satire paved the way for future generations of satirists, including George Orwell and Aldous Huxley. Swift's ability to blend humor with serious social commentary continues to resonate, making his works timeless.Beyond his literary achievements, Swift was a champion of social justice, advocating for the rights of the Irish people and critiquing the exploitation and oppression they faced. His legacy as a writer and social critic endures, offering modern readers a powerful lens through which to view the complexities of human nature and society.
Jonathan Swift (30 November 1667 – 19 October 1745) was an Anglo-Irish satirist, essayist, political pamphleteer (first for the Whigs, then for the Tories), poet and cleric who became Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. Swift is remembered for works such as A Tale of a Tub (1704), An Argument Against Abolishing Christianity (1712), Gulliver's Travels (1726), and A Modest Proposal (1729). He is regarded by the Encyclopædia Britannica as the foremost prose satirist in the English language, and is less well known for his poetry. He originally published all of his works under pseudonyms – such as Lemuel Gulliver, Isaac Bickerstaff, the Drapier – or anonymously. He was a master of two styles of satire, the Horatian and Juvenalian styles. (Wikipedia)

Editorial Reviews

"From Swift we absorb everything we can get: his big heart, his bitter, bloody humour, his lonesome brilliance balance out all the quirks of his eccentricity."  —Hermann Hesse

From the Publisher