2,99 €
inkl. MwSt.
Sofort per Download lieferbar
  • Format: ePub

The history of the publication of the Journal to Stella is somewhat curious. On Swift’s death twenty-five of the letters, forming the closing portion of the series, fell into the hands of Dr. Lyon, a clergyman who had been in charge of Swift for some years. The letters passed to a man named Wilkes, who sold them for publication. They accordingly appeared in 1766 in the tenth volume of Dr. Hawkesworth’s quarto edition of Swift’s works; but the editor made many changes in the text, including a suppression of most of the “little language.” The publishers, however, fortunately for us, were…mehr

Produktbeschreibung
The history of the publication of the Journal to Stella is somewhat curious. On Swift’s death twenty-five of the letters, forming the closing portion of the series, fell into the hands of Dr. Lyon, a clergyman who had been in charge of Swift for some years. The letters passed to a man named Wilkes, who sold them for publication. They accordingly appeared in 1766 in the tenth volume of Dr. Hawkesworth’s quarto edition of Swift’s works; but the editor made many changes in the text, including a suppression of most of the “little language.” The publishers, however, fortunately for us, were public-spirited enough to give the manuscripts (with one exception) to the British Museum, where, after many years, they were examined by John Forster, who printed in his unfinished Life of Swift numerous passages from the originals, showing the manner in which the text had been tampered with by Hawkesworth. Swift himself, too, in his later years, obliterated many words and sentences in the letters, and Forster was able to restore not a few of these omissions. His zeal, however, sometimes led him to make guesses at words which are quite undecipherable.
Autorenporträt
Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) was a towering figure in the realms of literature, satire, and political commentary. Born on November 30, 1667, in Dublin, Ireland, Swift's early education took place at Kilkenny Grammar School, followed by Trinity College in Dublin, where he received his B.A. in 1686. Although his writings span a wide array of genres, he is perhaps best known for his masterful satirical works, including 'Gulliver's Travels' and 'A Modest Proposal.' Swift's earlier work, 'The Journal to Stella,' provides an intimate glimpse into the personal side of this typically biting satirist. Penned between 1710 and 1713, the Journal comprises a collection of 65 letters to Esther Johnson, whom Swift affectionately called Stella, detailing his experiences in England whilst involved with the Tory government (Swift, 1766/1948). These missives showcase Swift's lesser-known tender and compassionate demeanor, stand in contrast to his acerbic public persona, and offer valuable insights into the complex socio-political landscape of his time. The epistolary format of the Journal allows Swift's literary prowess to shine through in a more personal vein. His elaborate style, replete with puns and allusions, displays the depth of his linguistic skill and the versatility that characterizes much of his work. As a cultural and literary icon, Swift's enduring legacy remains a subject of study and admiration, his writings continuing to resonate for their biting social commentary and satirical genius.