Jonathan Swift
- Born:
- 30 November 1667, Dublin, Ireland
- Died:
- 19 October 1745, Dublin, Ireland
- Nationality:
- Irish
- Profession(s):
- Satirist, Essayist, Poet, Clergyman
Early Life and Education
- Educated at Kilkenny College and Trinity College, Dublin.
- Received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1686.
- Initially struggled academically, pursuing studies somewhat irregularly.
- Served as secretary to Sir William Temple at Moor Park, where he met Esther Johnson ("Stella").
Career and Major Achievements
- Ordained as an Anglican priest in 1695.
- Began publishing satirical works in the early 18th century.
- Became a leading figure in the Tory literary circles of London.
- Served as Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, from 1713 until his death.
- Advocated for Irish independence and criticized English policies towards Ireland.
Notable Works
- A Tale of a Tub (1704)
- Gulliver's Travels (1726)
- A Modest Proposal (1729)
- The Battle of the Books (1704)
- Drapier's Letters (1724)
Legacy and Impact
Jonathan Swift's work continues to resonate for its sharp wit, satirical critiques of society, and advocacy for the oppressed. His masterpiece, Gulliver's Travels, remains a cornerstone of English literature and a powerful commentary on human nature. The "biography of Jonathan Swift" shows him to be a complex figure, both a clergyman and a scathing social critic.