The Jonathan Swift Library

Books & Literature

About

Welcome, curious listener, to The Jonathan Swift Library, a most serious repository of voyages, follies, and uncomfortable truths. Within this auditory cabinet you shall find entire books read aloud, as if rescued from the dust of some neglected Enlightenment shelf. Expect giants and tiny emperors, philosophers both wise and ridiculous, and the occasional reminder that mankind, for all its claims to reason, remains delightfully absurd. Pray sit upright, adjust your headphones with dignity, and prepare to be entertained, corrected, and perhaps gently mocked.

Episodes

  • Gulliver's Travels Part 1 Chapter 3

    In Chapter 3 of Gulliver's Travels, Gulliver earns the trust of the Lilliputian emperor and court by amusing them with displays involving horses and observing their contests. He is subsequently granted liberty under specific conditions tha…

  • Gulliver's Travels Part 1 Chapter 2

    In this episode, Gulliver's Travels Part 1 Chapter 2 is discussed. The emperor of Lilliput and his court observe and interact with Gulliver, who is chained. Gulliver is searched and attempts to communicate and gain favor with the Lilliputi…

  • Gulliver's Travels Part 1 Chapter 1

    This episode covers the first chapter of Gulliver's Travels, detailing the surgeon's early life, a shipwreck, and his arrival in Lilliput, where he is bound and observed by its small inhabitants.

  • Gulliver's Travels A letter from Captain Gulliver to his cousin Sympson

    Captain Gulliver writes a letter expressing vexation over inaccurate accounts of his travels, highlighting his disillusionment with human nature and corruption. He prepares to share his story, asking for a candid judgment of his narrative.

  • Gulliver's Travels The publisher to the reader

    This episode features a preface to Gulliver's Travels, where an acquaintance vouches for the author's story while mentioning prudent omissions. The introduction aims to establish the author's character and the nature of his travels.

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 12

    Section 12 of A Tale of a Tub features the author's humorous reflections on the reception of literary works, comparing them to seasons and discussing the challenges of concluding a text and sharing wit.

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 11

    Section 11 of 'A Tale of a Tub' details the eccentric adventures of Jack, highlighting his peculiar habits and mystical will. The episode examines themes of philosophical reflection, human folly, and the quirks of devotion and discourse.

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 10

    This episode of The Jonathan Swift Library features Section 10 of "A Tale of a Tub," where the author expresses gratitude to patrons and reflects on the origins of literary works. It also touches upon the varied responses from different re…

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 9

    This episode of The Jonathan Swift Library explores madness as a driving force in political, philosophical, and religious movements. It posits that madness, rather than just an illness, could be strategically used to benefit society.

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 8

    Section 8 of 'A Tale of a Tub' expounds the curious doctrine of the Æolists, portraying men as vessels of wind inspired by belching and revering winds as gods. The narrative ironically shows how these philosophies create opposing devils, r…

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 7

    Section 7 of 'A Tale of a Tub' discusses digressions, comparing them to culinary arts and the indexing of knowledge in modern scholarship, noting both convenience and a potential lack of original thought.

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 6

    This episode covers Section 6 of "A Tale of a Tub," where two brothers, cast out and forsaken, decide to reform their lives and garments according to their father's will. Their differing approaches lead to a split and unique adventures.

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 5

    This episode of The Jonathan Swift Library, "A Tale of a Tub Section 5," features a satirical dissection of the human condition, offering a recipe for distilling knowledge and commenting on literary prefaces and reader customs.

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 4

    This episode of The Jonathan Swift Library covers Section 4 of 'A Tale of a Tub,' detailing Lord Peter's transformation after securing his estate, his subsequent extravagant ventures, and the familial estrangement caused by his pride and t…

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 3

    This episode of The Jonathan Swift Library delves into Section 3 of 'A Tale of a Tub,' examining the art of criticism through allegory and myth. It explores the critic's nature and character with a satirical yet reverent tone.

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 2

    This episode covers Section 2 of "A Tale of a Tub," where three brothers inherit coats from their father. They must adhere to his specific instructions for wearing the coats while dealing with the changing fashions and societal demands of…

  • A Tale of a Tub Section 1

    This episode dissects the art of public speaking using the allegory of three oratorical machines, representing different forms of discourse. It also touches upon literary rivalries and the author's intent to reveal deeper meanings in popul…

  • A Tale of a Tub Introduction and Preface

    This episode covers the introduction and preface of "A Tale of a Tub," where the bookseller's dedication is humorously explored. It touches upon the challenges authors face, the spread of wit and satire, and the transient nature of literar…

  • The Battle of the Books - Thoughts on various subjects

    This episode explores the inconsistencies and follies of mankind through ironic observations on human nature, society, and the pursuits that occupy people's attention. It touches upon vanity, providence, learning, ambition, and life's cont…

  • The Battle of the Books - Hints towards and essay on conversation

    This episode of The Jonathan Swift Library examines the art of conversation, critiquing its common faults and advocating for sincere discourse. It explores how virtues and vices influence social manners and societal refinement.

  • The Battle of the Books - An argument to prove that the abolishing...

    This episode discusses the proposal to abolish Christianity in England, examining its social functions related to liberty, order, and wit. It warns of potential unforeseen consequences of its sudden removal.

  • The Battle of the Books - The Beasts' confession (1732)

    In "The Beasts' Confession" (1732), animals with human-like speech and conscience confess before their sovereign. This allegory critiques human vanity, pretence, and self-justification found in social and moral discourse.

  • The Battle of the Books - The second prayer was written NOV. 6, 1727.

    This episode features a prayer written on November 6, 1727, which asks for divine mercy, strength, patience, and forgiveness for a suffering soul. It also includes a plea for comfort for those who are mourning.

  • The Battle of the Books - The first he wrote OCT. 17, 1727

    This episode features a prayer for a sick individual, asking for divine mercy, patience, and strength. The prayer expresses resignation to Providence and hope for eternal peace beyond earthly suffering.

  • The Battle of the Books - To Stella

    This episode of The Jonathan Swift Library focuses on "The Battle of the Books - To Stella," praising Stella's exceptional qualities and the deep affection within their friendship, especially during a time of illness.

  • The Battle of the Books - Stella’s Birthday, March 13, 1726

    This episode reflects on Stella's birthday with verses contemplating a life of virtue, the comfort of past kindnesses, and the hope for a tranquil future.

  • The Battle of the Books - Stella’s Birthday, 1724

    On Stella's birthday in 1724, the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the fading of youth, but emphasizes that virtues like honour, wit, and friendship remain constant.

  • The Battle of the Books - Stella’s Birthday

    In this episode, a poet faces the challenge of composing Stella’s birthday ode, battling low inspiration and fear of judgment. He consults Apollo, who suggests a ritual with old wine and friends to help him write the poem Stella deserves.

  • The Battle of the Books - Stella’s Birthday, 1720.

    This episode features a poem from 1720, presented as “The Battle of the Books - Stella’s Birthday.” The poem praises Stella’s enduring qualities, such as her wit and hospitality, and contrasts them with superficial beauty and idle gossip.

  • The Battle of the Books - Stella’s Birthday, 1718

    This episode discusses 'The Battle of the Books' with a focus on Stella's 34th birthday in 1718. The poet's verse tenderly reflects on Stella's lasting beauty and wit, expressing a wish to divide his admiration.

  • The Battle of the Books - Candenus and Vanessa

    This episode discusses the goddess Venus's attempt to create Vanessa, a paragon of virtue and wit, to restore love's power. Vanessa's intelligence challenges those around her, highlighting the complexities of affection and reason.

  • The Battle of the Books - The puppet show

    This episode of The Jonathan Swift Library uses the art of the puppet-show as a metaphor to reflect on human follies. It portrays life as a satirical display of wooden figures manipulated by invisible strings, revealing how human pretensio…

  • The Battle of the Books - The logicians refuted

    This episode discusses the Logicians' debate on reason and its place in mankind, contrasting it with animal instinct. The author suggests instinct may be superior to human rationality, highlighting human follies by comparing them to the an…

  • The Battle of the Books - Baucis and Philemon

    In this episode, two saints disguised as beggars are shown kindness by Baucis and Philemon. Their humble cottage is miraculously transformed into a church, and the saints reward their hospitality.

  • The Battle of the Books - The Accomplishment of the First of Mr. Bickerstaff’s Predictions…

    This episode details the death of Mr. Partridge, predicted by Mr. Bickerstaff, and explores themes of imagination and superstition. It questions astrology's influence on the credulous.

  • The Battle of the Books - Predictions for the Year 1708

    This episode discusses a diligent observer's precise predictions for the year 1708, intended to correct the vulgar falsehoods of common astrologers and reclaim the ancient art from impostors.

  • The Battle of the Books - A Meditation Upon a Broomstick

    This episode uses the decline of a broomstick, from tree to tool, as a metaphor for the human condition, satirizing vanity and the folly of masking decay.

  • The Battle of the Books - The Episode of Bentley and Wotton

    This episode covers the story of Bentley and Wotton's stealthy advance during the Battle of the Books. It details their encounters and the tragic, heroic conclusion to their ambitious endeavors.

  • The Battle of the Books - A full and true account... Part 2

    Part 2 of "The Battle of the Books" depicts a conflict between Ancients (bees) and Moderns (spiders) over their crafts and arts. The dispute culminates in a significant battle, influenced by deities, highlighting the grandeur and folly wit…

  • The Battle of the Books - A full and true account... Part 1

    This episode of The Jonathan Swift Library discusses the 'Battle of the Books,' detailing the intellectual conflict between Ancients and Moderns. It highlights a debate between a spider and a bee, symbolizing contrasting approaches to inve…

  • The Battle of the Books - Introduction, the bookseller to the reader, & the preface of the author

    This episode introduces Jonathan Swift's 'The Battle of the Books,' exploring his early life, education, and the literary debate between the ancients and moderns, setting the stage for a contest of intellect.