This classic book of English literature is an insightful satire on human nature, probing the corruption of man. It’s also a parody on the tales of travelers as Jonathan Swift chronicles the voyages to Lilliput, Brobingnag, and other fantastical destinations in this powerful eighteenth-century masterpiece. Simon Cadell reads with a sure touch and great understanding of his subject.
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"Talk about a political satire. Swift managed to cover just about every political group in the various locations of Gulliver's shipwrecks. I was familiar with the giants and miniature people, but the flying island and horses with human reason were very interesting. Who knew there were pirates interested only in math! Interesting book. I do believe that if Lemuel Gulliver had enjoyed his time at home with his wife and family, he would have been less prone to go on one more voyage, although his adventures made for good stories. Interesting quote: "Nature is easily satisfied." This was another "classic" I was familiar with but had never read."
— Joy (4 out of 5 stars)
" Terrific book although the problem is that I frequently want to punch the protagonist in the face. Never mind that this is part of the point of the book! "
— Adam, 2/20/2014" It was good, but after five months of trying to finish it, I gave up. Just didn't pique my interest. "
— Kate, 2/19/2014" surprisingly interesting and easy to read. swift's view on morality and society in general really makes you think twice about what's going on in the world, even today. i definitely recommend it! "
— Shion, 2/17/2014" The ideas of this book were very creative and interesting to try to visualize. However, I found the Houyhnhnms segment to be quite exasperating. I understood the message and meanings, but I find problems with the way Gulliver esteems the Houyhnhnms, who I do not find to be a better alternative to humanity. I guess, maybe I'm picky and critical because I read this book for a class. "
— Melissa, 2/16/2014" This book is mostly a didactic fable, with the pedagogical endgame being how to act in the presence of different cultures. If Alice in Wonderland sees a tiny door, what does she do? She shrinks to assimilate and comport to the culture. Gulliver just tramps around people big and small like he owns the whole joint. Good origin story though for Yahoo, but would like to see more about the eventual eclipsing by google. "
— Steven, 2/15/2014" It was OK, but I missed a lot of the symbolism in the names Swift used as I did not live in the 1800s... yet... "
— Evan, 2/11/2014" Too dryly British. It was ment for its own time period, but nowadays it's just hard to get through. "
— Neal, 2/10/2014" Read it when i was a little kid from our library that my parents gave away to a public school. I can still remember the sketches in between chapters and that what pushed me to finish the book but the story really is entertaining. "
— Aian, 2/9/2014" Just too tedious for me to read. "
— E, 2/9/2014" Read it when i was a little kid from our library that my parents gave away to a public school. I can still remember the sketches in between chapters and that what pushed me to finish the book but the story really is entertaining. "
— Aian, 2/9/2014" I read the first 2 sections of Gulliver's Travels. While I liked Jonathan Swift's writing and the anecdotes were funny, I felt like I was missing some of the political undertones. It would be nice to read this book with a class or book club to make sure I am understanding all of the political messages it contained. "
— Robin, 2/8/2014Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) was an Anglo-Irish priest, author, journalist, political pamphleteer, and poet. He is primarily known as a prose satirist for such works as “A Modest Proposal.” The dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral from 1713, he was considered Dublin’s foremost citizen.
Simon Cadell (1950–1996) was an English actor, best remembered for his portrayal of Jeffrey Fairbrother on the BBC sitcom Hi-de-Hi!. Other acting credits include regular roles in the television shows Enemy at the Door, Tales of the Unexpected, and Life without George.