Gulliver's Travels

by Jonathan Swift

Other authorsJon Corbino (Illustrator)
Hardcover, 1945

Status

Available

Call number

823.5

Collection

Publication

International Collectors Library (1945), Edition: 1st, Hardcover, 309 pages

User reviews

LibraryThing member isabelx
As I was on the road, observing the littleness of the houses, the trees, the cattle, and the people, I began to think myself in Lilliput. I was afraid of trampling on every traveller I met, and often called aloud to have them stand out of the way, so that I had like to have gotten one or two broken
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heads for my impertinence.
(Gulliver on his return to England from Brobdingnag)

The introduction by Gulliver's cousin is followed by a letter from Gulliver which makes him sound completely insane and obsessed by horses, and I started to doubt whether the journeys were a figment of his imagination. Gulliver becomes more and more neurotic each time he returns home, in marked contrast to how he copes with what should be far more stressful events while travelling. He takes shipwreck, mutiny and capture in his stride, and quickly becomes fluent in unknown languages, yet after his final journey he is unable to face talking to or touching his wife and children, and spends four hours a day or more in the stables talking to his horses.

I don't think you have to have detailed knowledge of early 18th century history to get the satire. Religious quarrels, politicians, lawyers and egg-head scientists are good targets for satire in all ages. the stories have plenty of amusing moments, such as the Lilliputian queen's horror at Gulliver's method of extinguishing a fire in the palace, and her refusal ever to occupy that part of the building again, no matter how thoroughly they were cleaned. However, when I came across this description of Lilliputian handwriting, it made me wonder whether it was a satirical dig at something I hand;t picked up on or if the author had just put it in to tease a particular English lady who had trouble writing in a straight line: I shall say but little at present of their learning, which, for many ages, has flourished in all its branches among them: but their manner of writing is very peculiar, being neither from the left to the right, like the Europeans, nor from the right to the left, like the Arabians, nor from up to down, like the Chinese, but aslant, from one corner of the paper to the other, like ladies in England.
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LibraryThing member nules
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
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that aren't usually featured in the movies.
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LibraryThing member eeminxs
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
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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!
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LibraryThing member hgcslibrary
The adventures of Gulliver on his voyages to Lilliput, Brobdingnag, etc.
LibraryThing member la2bkk
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member EmeraldTelescope
Remarkable.
LibraryThing member quantum.alex
A classic for bedtime stories.

Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

1726

Physical description

309 p.; 8.5 inches
Page: 0.3854 seconds