Synopsis

In this revisionist biography of Dr Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, John Martin sets out to solve the many unresolved issues in the life of Dr Jonathan Swift. Who were his parents? How was he brought up? What was the truth of his relationships with Stella and Vanessa, women who suffered at his hands and whom Swift obstinately refused to marry after long relationships?

John Martin reveals that contrary to current opinion, and the notion that Swift was asexual, Swift had long-term relationships with many women and had children by some, including Stella and Vanessa. Swift’s ambition was to become an English Bishop. He failed because in ‘the knowing part of society’ in London and Dublin he was regarded as a debauched priest. His clerical ambitions had to be satisfied by becoming the Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, far removed from the glittering society of London and his friends among the wits of the age: Pope, Addison, Arbuthnot, Gay and Prior.

His consolation was that over a relatively short period of time he became the leading satirist of his age, a reputation cemented down the ages by his authorship of Gulliver’s Travels. Swift mixed with most powerful politicians of his time. They were eager to have him on their side and to use his formidable political and religious journalism in the support of their causes. A satirist makes many enemies and Swift was never short of them; but he made long-lasting friendships with friends and opponents alike who found in him the joy of conversation and the laughter of repartee.

In the opinion of the publisher, John Martin gives a unique insight into the character and behaviour of Swift. The publisher writes: ‘not since Norman O’Brown’s Life Against Death has such insight been granted into the mind, art and being of Jonathan Swift.’

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