Includes bibliographical references (pages 194-204) and index.

This book offers an accessible single-volume introduction to a wider range of Swift's writing than is usually covered in such treatments of him. Primarily a work of biographically-inflected literary criticism, it draws on insights furnished by feminist and postcolonial literary theories when those are relevant. Commencing with an account of the domestic and foreign contexts in which Swift's life was rooted, the book provides a chronological account of that life. His writing is examined chronologically, progressing through his early writing, early religious satire, English political and personal writings and the Irish phase of his life and writing. Textual chapters are devoted to Swift's poetic achievement; and to "Gulliver's Travels." Additionally, in the chapter on Swift's Irish religious and political writings, the missing religious dimension of "Gulliver's Travels" is considered as part of an analysis of Swift's religious vocation. -- From publisher's description.

SACFinal081324