Histoire de la Littérature Anglaise (Volume 4 de 5)

This volume continues the comprehensive survey of English literary history, turning its focus to the Classical Age. It offers a vivid portrait of Jonathan Swift, tracing his early days at Dublin University, his tempestuous personality, and the social forces that shaped his biting satire. Listeners will discover how Swift’s sharp wit and political pamphlets emerged from a blend of personal ambition, bitterness, and a keen eye for society’s absurdities.

Beyond biography, the book examines Swift’s diverse output—his prose, poetry, and the famous Gulliver’s Travels—showcasing the ways he straddles humor and philosophical critique. Detailed analyses reveal his use of irony, his confrontations with contemporary politics, and his lasting influence on English satire. The scholarly yet readable style makes the complex literary landscape of the late 17th and early 18th centuries accessible to listeners.