Jonathan Swift's most famous essay proposes, with a straight face, that the poor of Ireland could solve their problems by selling their children as food to the rich. The collection includes this and other satirical pieces, such as works on the abuse of power and corruption in public life, and shows Swift's mastery of irony. The work was written in 1729 and aimed at English landlords and politicians who were indifferent to Irish suffering.
Readers interested in satire and in the history of political writing will find a short and biting text. It is a standard example of how to use irony as a weapon.
Deep and outward-looking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Systems Thinker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1729
- Language
- EN
