Ireland in the Days of Dean Swift (Irish Tracts, 1720 to 1734)

The collection opens a vivid portrait of early‑18th‑century Ireland, a land caught between the shifting fortunes of Whig and Tory factions and the relentless pressures of English policy. Through the eyes of a sharp‑tongued observer, the reader hears the clamor of parliamentary intrigue, the grievances of farmers and weavers, and the stark revelations of a nation whose hardships were often dismissed as mere “miserable state.” The author weaves together speeches, letters, and pamphlets that capture the urgency of the moment while keeping the tone both scholarly and readable.

In the first act, listeners encounter some of the most pointed essays that would later define Swift’s reputation—a satirical jab at luxury, a proposal for Irish manufactures, and the infamous “Modest Proposal” that blends bitter irony with a call for moral scrutiny. As the historical backdrop unfolds, the work offers a clear window onto the social and economic forces shaping Ireland, inviting anyone curious about the roots of political satire to step into a world where wit and suffering intersect.