Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) was an Anglo-Irish satirist, essayist, political pamphleteer, and cleric who is regarded as one of the foremost prose satirists in the English language. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Swift's early education took place at Kilkenny Grammar School and Trinity College, Dublin, where he later received his Bachelor of Arts degree. Swift's masterful use of irony and sarcasm is most evident in works like 'Gulliver's Travels' and 'A Modest Proposal', which not only provide scathing commentary on the follies of society but also demonstrate his prowess in blending satirical fiction with political critique. His less known, yet significant, religious writings, such as 'Three Prayers and Sermons', reflect his position as Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin and highlight his deep engagement with theological and moral issues confronting his society. Swift's literary style intertwined satirical brilliance with a command of the English language, earning him a legacy as a critical observer of both human nature and the social ills of his time. His work continues to be studied for its innovative literary techniques and its piercing insight into the human condition and the socio-political complexities of 17th and 18th-century England and Ireland.
