Jonathan Swift, página 7 de 20

Inútil recordarlo: política y mentira suelen ser buenas compañeras. Parece, sin embargo, que los políticos de hoy mienten con torpeza: seguramente, a no pocos haría bien recordar las recomendaciones que algunos sagaces britanicos dejaron escritas alla a principios del siglo XVIII. Cuando la incipiente politica parlamentaria iba perfilando las modalidades de las que siguen viviendo nuestras democracias, Jonathan Swift y sus satiricos amigos descubrieron la siguiente verdad: el mentir bien a los ciudadanos no es cosa que se improvise; es un arte con todas sus reglas...

The history of the publication of the Journal to Stella is somewhat curious. On Swifts death twenty-five of the letters, forming the closing portion of the series, fell into the hands of Dr. Lyon, a clergyman who had been in charge of Swift for some years. The letters passed to a man named Wilkes, who sold them for publication. They accordingly appeared in 1766 in the tenth volume of Dr. Hawkesworths quarto edition of Swifts works; but the editor made many changes in the text, including a suppression of most of the "little language." The publishers, however, fortunately for us, were public-spirited enough to give the manuscripts (with one exception) to the British Museum, where, after many years, they were examined by John Forster, who printed in his unfinished Life of Swift numerous passages from the originals, showing the manner in which the text had been tampered with by Hawkesworth. Swift himself, too, in his later years, obliterated many words and sentences in the letters, and Forster was able to restore not a few of these omissions. His zeal, however, sometimes led him to make guesses at words which are quite undecipherable. Besides Forsters work, I have had the benefit of the careful collation made by Mr. Ryland for his edition of 1897. Where these authorities differ I have usually found myself in agreement with Mr. Ryland, but I have felt justified in accepting some of Forsters readings which p. viwere rejected by him as uncertain; and the examination of the manuscripts has enabled me to make some additions and corrections of my own. Swifts writing is extremely small, and abounds in abbreviations. The difficulty of arriving at the true reading is therefore considerable, apart from the erasures.

Editor: William Ernst Browning

Human-read audio ebook produced by Librivox

Editor: Thomas M. Balliet / (Note: this is an abridged, school edition; see also #829) / Contents: / Part I - A Voyage To Lilliput / Part II - A Voyage To Brobdingnag

Hints to Servants is a compelling anthology that weaves together diverse literary styles and voices from different epochs to explore the intricate socio-economic dynamics and satirical observations surrounding the theme of servitude. Through this collection, readers encounter a captivating range of prose that challenges societal norms with humor and biting wit. The anthologyAos richness is further amplified by standout pieces that use contrasting tones, from pointed satire to subtle irony, ensuring that each work adds a unique texture to the overarching narrative of power, subservience, and rebellion. The authors included in this collection, notably Jonathan Swift and John Jones, bring a wealth of literary prowess and historical context, making this anthology a profound reflection of their times. Swift, renowned for his sharp satirical edge, and Jones, bringing a distinct modernist interpretation, together elevate the discourse on servitude. The collection fluidly aligns with both the Augustan ageAos penchant for satire and modern insights, making it a bridge between historical and contemporary literary movements. It is a testament to the power of literature to transcend time, offering insights into societal structures and the human condition. This anthology is a must-read for those eager to explore a tapestry of narrative voices. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the complexities of servitude through a confluence of perspectives and styles. Engaging with this collection invites readers to broaden their understanding of historical and cultural nuances that continue to resonate today. In doing so, it fosters a dialogue that is as educational as it is enlightening, making Hints to Servants a significant addition to any literary enthusiasts collection.

In "The Battle of the Books, and Other Short Pieces," Jonathan Swift artfully merges satire, allegory, and literary criticism to explore the tensions between ancient and modern literature. Comprising a series of essays and fables, this collection reflects the contentious literary debates of 18th-century England, particularly the significance of classical texts in a progressively modern world. Swift employs his characteristic wit and incisive humor, engaging readers with playful narratives while critiquing the follies of contemporary thought, emphasizing the need for intellectual rigor in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape. Jonathan Swift, a prominent figure of the Augustan age, was deeply influenced by the prevailing intellectual currents of his time, particularly the clash between reason and tradition. His experiences as a satirist and clergyman, alongside his keen observations of society and politics, informed his perspectives on literature and its role in shaping public discourse. SwiftAos vested interest in the moral responsibilities of writers and readers permeates his work, making his commentary on literary priorities both timely and timeless. This engaging collection is a must-read for scholars and casual readers alike, as it not only encapsulates Swifts sharp wit but also provides a lens through which to examine the ongoing evolution of literary values. "The Battle of the Books" invites audiences to reflect on the lasting impact of literature in culture, making it a significant addition to any literary canon.

Hace ya muchos años, cuando Inglaterra era una potencia mundial que atravesaba los mares del planeta en busca de tierras desconocidas, un escritor llamado Jonathan Swift escribió un libro llamado Viajes a varios lugares remotos del planeta o Los viajes de Gulliver. El primer destino de este viajero incansable es el reino de Lilliput, una tierra donde todo es muy pequeño y donde el hombre se siente un gigante torpe pero poderoso. Sin embargo, Brobdingnag, su segundo paraje, es un lugar donde las cosas son el doble de grandes que en su Inglaterra natal. Finalmente llega a Houyhnhm, una region donde cohabitan humanos impertinentes llamados Yahoos y una especie de caballos de gran belleza, bondad e inteligencia. La experiencia en cada region y la relacion que el viajero establece con sus pobladores conforman historias divertidas y llenas de sorpresas y aprendizajes.

La obra maestra de Swift, Viajes a varios lugares remotos del planeta, titulada popularmente Los viajes de Gulliver, fue publicada originalmente en 1726 y obtuvo un éxito inmediato. A pesar de que fue concebida como una satira social, contra la vani

Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, First a Surgeon, and then a Captain of Several Ships, commonly known as Gullivers Travels (1726, amended 1735), is a prose satire[1][2] by Irish writer and clergyman Jonathan Swift, that is both a satire on human nature and the "travellers tales" literary subgenre. It is Swifts best known full-length work, and a classic of English literature.The book became popular as soon as it was published. John Gay wrote in a 1726 letter to Swift that "It is universally read, from the cabinet council to the nursery."[3]

Shipwrecked and cast adrift, Lemuel Gulliver wakes to find himself on Lilliput, an island inhabited by little people, whose height makes their quarrels over fashion and fame seem ridiculous. His subsequent encounters with the crude giants of Brobdingnag, the philosophical Houyhnhnms and brutish Yahoos give Gulliver new, bitter insights into human behaviour. Swifts savage satire views mankind in a distorted hall of mirrors as a diminished, magnified and finally bestial species, presenting us with an uncompromising reflection of ourselves.