The Works of Jonathan Swift.

SWIFT, Jonathan.

$9,800.00

Item Number: 119436

London: Bickers & Son, 1883.

Finely bound set of the works of Jonathan Swift, with notes and a life by Sir Walter Scott, one of 750 numbered sets, this is number 330. Octavo,19 volumes, bound in three quarters morocco, gilt titles to the spine, raised bands, top edge gilt. In near fine condition. From the library of Sir Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji Jadeja, often known as Ranji, who was the ruler of the Indian princely state of Nawanagar from 1907 to 1933, as Maharaja Jam Saheb, and was a noted Test cricketer who played for the English cricket team. Sets of Swift are uncommon, especially in this condition.

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).