ABSTRACT
First published in 1984, this biography gives an account of Jonathan Swift’s political ideas and provides a critical commentary on his major works. With its emphasis on Swift as a political writer, the title offers a revision of the prevailing view of Swift’s politics and its application in the study of his works. Alan Downie argues that in terms of the party politics of the day Swift is neither a Whig nor Tory. Swift thought of himself as an ‘Old Whig’, and said he was ‘of the old Whig principles, without the modern articles and refinements’. Downie shows how Swift’s writings consistently make political points about society’s deviation from an ideal. As Swift’s views on morality, religion and politics are so closely linked, an understanding of his political ideas is vital; this reissue provides a detailed analysis of this aspect of Swift’s writings and views, and as such will be of great interest to any students researching his satire.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |70 pages
Days of Deference, 1667–1700
chapter |12 pages
Infancy
chapter |14 pages
Education
chapter |25 pages
Moor Park
chapter |17 pages
Swift and the Church
part |127 pages
Friend of the Great, 1701–1714
chapter |14 pages
Swift and the Whigs
chapter |25 pages
A Tale of a Tub
chapter |23 pages
Vicar of Laracor
chapter |29 pages
Swift and the Tories
chapter |34 pages
Dean of St Patrick's
part |142 pages
Hibernian Patriot, 1714–1745