Gulliver's Travels

The author of Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift, was born in the 17th century and penned this, his most famous work, in the early 18th century. It is a magnificent piece of satire and has stood the test of time, perhaps better than any novel of its kind.Through Gulliver’s travels to Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa and the land of the Houyhnhnms (intelligent horses) and Yahoos (dumb and brutish humanoids), Swift is able to hold up many of the institutions of his day, such as our system of government, laws, religion, armed conflict, medicine and education to ridicule, as Lemuel Gulliver seeks to explain them to his various hosts, to their horror and disbelief.Swift’s razor sharp wit and entertaining method of satire is as effective today as it was when written, when it must have been an absolute sensation. While it can be an effective teaching tool, and many view it as simply a children’s book, much of the work would be far too sophisticated for young children, and I can testify that as a well-read 53 year old, I found it highly entertaining and enlightening.

Sure,the story of the big man washed up on the shore surrounded by little people is a cute story we've all seen Mickey Mouse do. But reading this book as an adult was an eye-opener. Swift's tongue is firmly planted in his cheek through the whole book and this is a great one to read aloud.

This book is darling and lovely. Great for children, but enough symbolism in it for worth-while analysing for adults.

PART I. A REVIEW OF THE BOOK.[The author gives some account of the book, Gulliver’s Travels. Her first memories of Gulliver. She reads the first couple of chapters and enjoys the satire immensely. Gets to the third chapter; is surprised at the science fictional, dystopian tone, is thoroughly hit over the head with Swift’s criticism of politics and humanity, and finishes the book knowing that there is no way she has ever before been exposed to the last two voyages Gulliver undertakes.:]I have always thought of Gulliver’s Travels as primarily a story for children. This is probably due to the number of “Gulliver” cartoons and picture books I have seen over the years. However, I’m sure that what I’ve seen only deals with a simple telling of the first two of Gulliver’s voyages described in the book and that those depictions were not nearly as full of sharp, biting criticism and satire as the unabridged version of the book itself, as Gulliver’s Travels is really not a children’s story at all. I also understand why the cartoons do not delve into the third and fourth journeys described in the book as I found them to be quite dark. Lemuel Gulliver, a ship’s surgeon, tells an amusing story of traveling the world in the early 18th century and the strange lands and peoples he comes in contact with. Gulliver’s accounts are given in a matter-of-fact way and are quite detailed while lacking in emotion. Gulliver is quite gullible and humorless himself, which just adds to the satirical effect of the book. During one voyage, Gulliver is shipwrecked and awakes on the island of Lilliput, where the inhabitants are all roughly six inches tall. His time in that kingdom satirizes the ridiculousness of feuds, wars, and royal pomp and show. Likewise, on Gulliver’s second voyage he is again an oddity due to his size as he winds up in the land of the giants in Brobdingnag, where he now stands a relative six inches tall compared to the sixty foot tall inhabitants there. During his time in Brobdingnag, Gulliver explains European systems of law and government to the prince who cannot believe that such a political system could even function. On his next journey, Gulliver’s ship is overtaken by pirates and he is rescued by the people on the floating island of Laputa, peopled by philosophers and scientists who are “floating on the clouds” like the island, as they are so lost in thought they lose all sight of practicality. Gulliver travels between islands in this land and is able to meet and question great historical figures who have gone before. He also comes in contact with Struldbergs, immortal people who become miserable the longer they live. On his last expedition Gulliver washes ashore at Houyhnhnm, a land where wise and gentle but emotionless species resembles horses and wild human-like beasts are referred to as Yahoos. Gulliver is very taken with the Houyhnhnm although he sees himself as a Yahoo, whom he despises. Gulliver returns home against his will and the story ends on a very bleak note. I much prefer the amusing way in which Swift pokes fun at the inane and ridiculous elements of English society in the first two voyages to the odd, depressing images left by the last two excursions and his trip home. Well, that’s just the opinion of this Yahoo. Read the book yourself and see what you think.

Oh Gulliver. What a strange and interesting boook. Lilliput was by far the best of the four books, but I like Swifts satiric commentary in all four. Swift is a genius, enough said.

I went into this story having no idea what it was about and I found it to be very fun to read. The story is told in a straight forward, easy to understand way and the author's bluntness makes it easy to follow and not get bogged down.Books 1 and 2 felt almost like a children's story, with fantastical creatures. Books 3 and 4 dealt with more advanced themes, and I felt like each book held its own.My favorite part was book 3 when Gulliver was touring through the academy and visiting with the various types of academics. I sometimes had to remind myself that this book was written in the 1700s. Lawyers clearly haven't changed a bit!

A good read, I did not always understand all of the historical satire (luckily I read an annotated version that explained most of it)it was a fun adventure that is ironic and humorous and sometimes absurd.Gulliver leaves home by ship on various voyages, all of which leave him stranded in new, strange places. One is a country of small people and all of their surroundings are accordingly small. The next is a land of giants, and all of the surroundings are equally as large. Thirdly is a floating island in the sky populated by wacky scientists and astronomers. And lastly, is an island where horses are the intelligent race, having their own language, and the human like creatures of this land are savage and disgusting. All through his travels Gulliver learns the language and customs of the new lands' inhabitants making it difficult to merge back into his actual life.I'm glad I read this book.

I liked this book quite a bit. It does read like a journal, which was new to me in a novel, although at the time it probably bothered me a little, although I still thought it interesting.I liked how there were new areas and races, even if it may be political satire. I was glad to read about several that aren't usually featured in the movies.

For good reason, this is a must read classic. The book appeals on a superficial level with the author's exotic travels, and yet has a far deeper message about human nature and the society of the day.Prior reviewers (and Wikipedia) summarize its contents, so I will not do so again. However, my favorite section of the book is contained with chapter 4 regarding the land of Houyhnhnms (horses) and Yahoos (uncivilized humans). The author's sometimes graphic depiction of his homeland's princes, lawyers, doctors and military leaders is absolutely hilarious and thought provoking.

I actually don't like many of the classics, but this is one of my favorites. It can be a little tedious to start, but once you're into it, it's a great story.

Jonathan Swift's satirical novel was first published in 1726, yet it is still valid today. Gulliver's Travels describes the four fantastic voyages of Lemuel Gulliver, a kindly ship's surgeon. Swift portrays him as an observer, a reporter, and a victim of circumstance. His travels take him to Lilliput where he is a giant observing tiny people. In Brobdingnag, the tables are reversed and he is the tiny person in a land of giants where he is exhibited as a curiosity at markets and fairs. The flying island of Laputa is the scene of his next voyage. The people plan and plot as their country lies in ruins. It is a world of illusion and distorted values. The fourth and final voyage takes him to the home of the Houyhnhnms, gentle horses who rule the land. He also encounters Yahoos, filthy bestial creatures who resemble humans.

No wonder this novel is considered a classic which has been enjoyed "in the nursery" and in the library! Jonathan Swift wrote a story in the 1700s which is absolutely timeless. On one level this is a delightful fantasy romp to imagined lands with amazing inhabitants. However, do not be deceived. This is a philosophical treatise written with tremendous wit and a profound message about the author's desire for truth, indeed his bottomless pit of want for truth. The author levels his satiric wit at the following topics and fires away: religion, travel tales, politics, sex, relationships, colonialism, capitalism, prejudice, social superficiality, prejudice, stereotypes and more. Anyone who has traveled to a culture which is vastly different from their own and reveled in the experience will likely appreciate this book, and those who have not but harbor strong opinions about those folks from another culture......well, it should be required reading! Go ahead, read it and laugh out loud, smile, wince, cringe, and love it!

Swift's ideas about human nature and government are timeless. Gulliver's Travels is a must read!

Written nearly 300 years ago, at it's time it must have been a groundbreaking satire. To be fair it is still current in many ways especially regarding the justiciary, the establishment and western mankind in general. However, I found it very dull to read. He goes away, has an adventure and comes back. He does this four times. Heaven knows he wasn't much of a family man and we don't hear much of what his wife thought of it all. I found it quite boring and this was heading for two stars until the final episode with the Houyhnhnms and the Yahoos. The former representing a superior being which mankind may believe he is and the latter being a mirror to how Swift believes they really are. This part was both insightful and humorous and rescued this book for me.

Remarkable.

Apparently, one must know their history very well to understand satire. This was an entertaining work -- creative, subtle, and poignant, though slow in parts (somewhat due to the length of time required to "read" the proper nouns properly). The horse kingdom was my favorite of the four, due to what it said about the advantages and disadvantages of a society based purely on reason.

Meesterlijk in zijn passages met kritiek op algemeenmenselijke toestanden. Frisse satire, al is het verhaal van de reus in Lilliputtersland intussen wat afgezaagd, dat wordt ruimschoots gecompenseerd vooral door het laatste verhaal.

Swift is always great to pull out for prime examples of satire, and Gulliver's Travels is one of the best. It helps I read it and enjoyed it before we picked it apart it college. As with most, the Lilliputians were my favorite episode. A must read!

Another of the classics.

Published in 1725, six years after Defoe?s Robinson Crusoe, and interesting as a counterpoint to that book. Both are of course travel adventures, but while Crusoe has only Friday for company on his island, Gulliver runs into civilizations on the ones he reaches in his four voyages, starting with the diminutive Lilliputians who so famously tie him down. And while both authors use their stories as vehicles to explore human nature, Defoe is generally optimistic, but Swift is not. I can?t say I?m a huge fan of Swift?s world view, since he was an enemy of the enlightenment, disdained reason as well as challenges to established religion, such as Deism, and was presenting a pessimistic view of humanity. However, I have to say his novel works, and on several levels. It is a biting satire of man and all his follies, vices, and stupidities. Swift has particular disdain for politicians, lawyers, and clergymen. It?s also filled with comic moments, some naughty, some juvenile involving bodily functions, but entertaining nonetheless. And, for the computer-minded, it?s of course the origin of the Big and Little Endians, as well as the Yahoos. :)Gulliver?s misadventures worsen as the novel progresses, and his attitude is progressively hardened by the experiences of being abandoned and attacked. Perhaps a danger for us all. If I had to recommend one of the many essays that are included in this Norton Critical Edition, it would be Samuel Holt Monk?s ?The Pride of Lemuel Gulliver? from 1955, insightful and with an interesting reference to the Red Scare going on in Washington D.C. at the time. The edition was published in 1961 which was a little limiting; it would have been nice to have some more recent commentary.Quotes:On Children:?...the Lilliputians will needs have it, that men and women are joined together like other animals, by the motives of concupiscence; and that their tenderness towards their young, proceedeth from the like natural principle: for which reason they will never allow, that a child is under any obligation to his father for begetting him, or to his mother for bringing him into the world; which, considering the miseries of human life, was neither a benefit in itself, nor intended so by his parents, whose thoughts in their love-encounters were otherwise employed.?On the good and evil in man:?When I thought of my family, my friends, my countrymen, or human race in general, I considered them as they really were, yahoos in shape and disposition, perhaps a little more civilized, and qualified with the gift of speech; but making no other use of reason, than to improve and multiply those vices, whereof their brethren in this country had only the share that nature allotted them.?On guns:?The King was struck with horror at the description I had given of those terrible engines, and the proposal I had made. He was amazed how so impotent and groveling an insect as I (these were his expressions) could entertain such inhuman ideas, and in so familiar a manner as to appear wholly unmoved at all the scenes of blood and desolation, which I had painted as the common effects of those destructive machines; whereof, he said, some evil genius, enemy to mankind, must have been the first contriver.?On history:?He was perfectly astonished with the historical account I gave him of our affairs during the last century; protesting it was only a heap of conspiracies, rebellions, murders, massacres, revolutions, banishments; the very worst effects that avarice, faction, hypocrisy, perfidiousness, cruelty, rage, madness, hatred, envy, lust, malice, and ambition could produce.?On immortality:?...he observed long life to be the universal desire and wish of mankind. That, whoever had one foot in the grave, was sure to hold back the other as strongly as he could. That the oldest still had hopes of living one day longer, and looked on death as the greatest evil, from which nature always prompted him to retreat; only in this Island of Luggnagg, the appetite for living was not so eager, from the continual example of the Struldbruggs before their eyes.That the system of living contrived by me was unreasonable and unjust, because it supposed a perpetuity of youth, health, and vigor, which no man could be so foolish to hope, however extravagant he might be in his wishes. That, the question therefore was not whether a man would choose to be always in the prime of youth, attended with prosperity and health; but how he would pass a perpetual life under all the usual disadvantages which old age brings along with it.?On lawyers:?I said there was a society of men among us, bred up from their youth in the art of proving by words multiplied for the purpose, that white is black, and black is white, according as they are paid. To this society all the rest of the people are slaves. ...It is a maxim among these lawyers, that whatever hath been done before, may legally be done again: and therefore they take special care to record all the decisions formerly made against common justice and the general reason of mankind. These, under the name of precedents, they produce as authorities to justify the most iniquitous opinions; and the judges never fail of directing accordingly. ...It is likewise to be observed, that this society hath a peculiar cant and jargon of their own, that no other mortal can understand, and wherein all their laws are written, which they take special care to multiply; whereby they have wholly confounded the very essence of truth and falsehood, of right and wrong; so that it will take thirty years to decide whether the field, left me by my ancestors for six generations, belongs to me, or to a stranger three hundred miles off.?On man?s inhumanity:?A crew of pirates are driven by a storm they know not whither; at length a boy discovers land from the top-mast; they go on shore to rob and plunder; they see a harmless people, are entertained with kindness, they give the country a new name, they take formal possession of it for the King, they set up rotten plank or stone for a memorial, they murder two or three dozen of the natives, bring away a couple more by force for a sample, return home, and get their pardon. Here commences a new dominion acquired with a title by Divine Right. Ships are sent with their first opportunity; the natives driven out or destroyed, their princes tortured to discover their gold; a free license given to all acts of inhumanity and lust; the earth reeking with the blood of its inhabitants: and this execrable crew of butchers employed in so pious an expedition, is a modern colony sent to convert and civilize an idolatrous and barbarous people.?On politics:?And, he gave it for his opinion; that whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before; would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together.?On the poor:?...the Lilliputians think nothing can be more unjust, than that people, in subservience to their own appetites, should bring children into the world, and leave the burden of supporting them on the public.?On war:?Sometimes the quarrel between two princes is to decide which of them shall dispossess a third of his dominions, where neither of them pretend to any right. ...For these reasons, the trade of a soldier is held the most honorable of all others: because a soldier is a yahoo hired to kill in cold blood as many of his own species, who have never offended him, as possibly he can. ...I gave him a description of cannons, culverins, muskets, carabines, pistols, bullets, powder, swords, bayonets, battles, sieges, retreats, attacks, undermines, countermines, bombardments, sea-fights; ship sunk with a thousand men; twenty thousand killed on each side; dying groans, limbs flying in the air: smoke, noise, confusion, trampling to death under horses feet: flight, pursuit, victory; fields strewed with carcasses left for food to dogs, and wolves, and birds of prey; plundering, stripping, ravishing, burning and destroying. ...Although he hated the yahoos of this country, yet he no more blamed them for their odious qualities, than he did a Gnnayh (a bird of prey) for its cruelty, or a sharp stone for cutting his hoof. But, when a creature pretending to reason, could be capable of such enormities, he dreaded lest the corruption of that faculty might be worse than brutality itself. He seemed therefore confident, that instead of reason, we were only possessed of some quality fitted to increase our natural vices...?On the younger generation:?As every person called up [from the dead] made exactly the same appearance he had done in the world, it gave me melancholy reflections to observe how much the race of human kind was degenerate among us, within these hundred years past. How the pox under all its consequences and denominations had altered every lineament of an English countenance; shortened the size of bodies, unbraced the nerves, relaxed the sinews and muscles, introduced a sallow complexion, and rendered the flesh loose and rancid.?

I am doing work on masculinity with this book, but even with that interest in mind I did not particularly enjoy Gulliver.

I should read this again. I loved this when I read it. You can analyse the book or just simply read it for fun.

The writing is beautiful, the riffs on law, politics and general intellectual attitudes are hilarious, and the structure was great. The third part's a bit tough to get in to, but otherwise, first class. Easy to read, too.

I am doing work on masculinity with this book, but even with that interest in mind I did not particularly enjoy Gulliver.

I read this book finally, upto the last page, as a part of a very interesting course on 18th C literature, and I loved the insights into Swift's work the course gave me. Specially amusing was my professor's fascination with the 'scatological fixation' that Swift shows in this work. :D

Not really a review as such. I gave up in reading this book after 80 pages as i simply couldn't get into it. Yes i can see how it was a satire on politics at that time, but quite simpy it bored me.

Sweepingly entertaining & popular from the year it was published until this day, among adults & (duly expurgated) with children. Whether Swift "intended" to create one of the earliest English novels, a pioneering work of science-fiction or fantasy, a travel narrative - or, as often put forward, a bittersour satire of British politics - he achieved it all. This frankly insolent example of what we mean when we say "work of genius" was before its time in so direct a way that many never thought twice about it. Whether it concluded the Baroque century or introduced the Age of Enlightenment is less important than the vast *imaginative* freedom - more fundamental, even, than freedom to express - conquered for humanity with those impossible tales of High-Heel Lilliputians, lascivious Brobdingnag ladies & Baconian scientism reduced to parody. Not to forget the chilling Houyhnhnms & their wretchedly humanoid underlings, the Yahoos.A treasure of civilization, which may still feel like science-fiction in the 22nd Century.

Read this in college. Obviously, extremely over-discussed. Not really my kind of read.

I read the Illustrated Classics version as a kid and when I was in my mid-teens, I read the full version. To this day, I am still enjoying both versions; which one I read depends on my mood and how I feel.The author uses great metaphors, like storms, to transition between different islands. Each change in setting teaches many important lessons without the reader really realizing it. How the author does this is a mystery and keeps the reader hooked,, wanting to know what will happen next snd if the characters will ever retturn home. You also wonder how things will change for thr main character if their journey does end and what the long lasting effects will be. Not just on that person, but those around them and where they live.This is an interesting, intriguing, edge of your seat book that you don't want to miss!

For something written in 1735, the humor is surprisingly applicable to today's audience. It is the tale of Lemuel Gulliver's journeys to several distant lands and is rife with hilarious satire and biting wit. I particularly enjoyed his descriptions of English government. I was also amazed at how much influence on modern language it's had, from lilliputian to big-endian. There are so-called classics of which I don't understand the attribution, but this is one comedy that is sure to be timeless as long as there are human societies.