The Works of Jonathan Swift: Including, Gulliver’s Travels.

SWIFT, Jonathan .

$4,000.00

Item Number: 140938

London: Various Publishers, 1751-67.

Finely bound volumes of the works of Jonathan Swift. Octavo, 19 volumes, bound in contemporary calf, red morocco spine labels, gilt titles to the spine. In near fine condition, with the Cornwell House ink stamp to front free endpaper. A very sharp set.

Jonathan Swift's masterpiece will "last as long as the language, because it describes the vices of man in all nations" (DNB). "A remarkable feat in the creation of imaginary worlds as a vehicle for satire upon the political and religious establishments of the day" (Clute & Grant, 914). "Gulliver's Travels has given Swift an immortality beyond temporary fame". For every edition designed for the reader with an eye to the historical background, 20 have appeared, abridged or adapted, for readers who care nothing for the satire and enjoy it as a first-class story" (PMM 185). "Of all Swift's writings it best shows the merits of his mind and his gifts of expression". It is important to realize that it could be written only by one who had the highest ideals for human achievement and who despaired of the achieving" (Baugh et al., 865-66)""although Swift himself expressed this hope for his "Travells" to a friend: "They are admirable Things, and will wonderfully mend the world" (Rothschild 2104).