Jonathan Swift (Routledge Revivals)

First published in 1984, this biography gives an account of Jonathan SwiftΓÇÖs 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 SwiftΓÇÖs 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 ΓÇÿOld WhigΓÇÖ, and said he was ΓÇÿof the old Whig principles, without the modern articles and refinementsΓÇÖ. Downie shows how SwiftΓÇÖs writings consistently make political points about societyΓÇÖs deviation from an ideal. As SwiftΓÇÖs 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 SwiftΓÇÖs writings and views, and as such will be of great interest to any students researching his satire.