A Modest Proposal and Other Satirical Works (Dover Thrift Editions)

Jonathan Swift was a satirical genius! His writing style is difficult to read, and it took me a while to parse his sentences and understand what he was trying to say, but it was hilarious once I got it! I originally bought this collection just for his "Modest Proposal" but I enjoyed all of the other works in this short collection as well.

Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" is considered one of the greatest satirical works in the English language. Having recently taught this essay to two different groups of students, I can fully appreciate its varied approach to satire (Swift employs many devices, including irony, mock-heroic, and bathos). It's a quick read, but an essential one. This essay was written about the plight of the poor Irish trying to survive under the oppression of 18th Century England, an arrangement where England offered its protection, but in return seized their lands and dried up their resources. Still, Swift's jest points out a flaw that still exists today: the tendency for those who are comfortable to treat the poor like vermin or cattle instead of people.

Not as great as his famous Gulliver's Travels, but for those interested in his other writings a good snapshot.

What can I contribute to what has already been said about Jonathan Swift? A Modest Proposal exposed the harm and horror of the Irish famine - serving up epicurean delights to the rich while serving the modest interests of the poor. If you haven't read this long-ago written work, you are missing the depth of literary art taking on a challenge which ultimately helped produce a national conscience.

Everyone has heard of A Modest Proposal. This made it very surprising when I found that the Battle of the Books by Swift is actually much better (it is included in this text). I good, small piece of literature. Worth buying.

I received the book, as described, in a very timely manner!

My Professor posted something from this writer in our discussion. When I stared to read it i thought "WHAT". It was a modest proposal. After reading it I liked it. I read about the author and decided to try the book and I love it.

Hard to read and not as good as I expected.