A Tale of a Tub and Other Works (1704)

Of the three satirical pieces in this collection, "A Tale of a Tub" is a much the longest. It is a scathing look at three factions of the Christian religion represented allegorically by three brothers: Peter (Catholics), Martin (Lutherans and Anglicans), and John (Calvinists and Puritans). In numerous asides and digressions (including a section titled "A Digression in Praise of Digressions") Swift directs blasts at other unrelated topics, principally literary critics. Unfortunately most of his references require considerable familiarity with the literature and politics of his time, and even a flurry of endnotes can't make this very rewarding reading.

The second piece, "The Battle of the Books," is the highlight. It features a battle between Ancient and Modern books in the King's Library where the various volumes act out the parts of heroes in the Iliad.

The final sketch, "The Mechanical Operation of the Spirit," largely ridicules Puritan religious practices, but takes an occasional jab at Swift's favorite target: critics.

For the most part, A Tale of a Tub and Other Works, brilliant though it may be, is a period curiosity because so many of the people and issues it addresses have slipped into obscurity. ( )

Jonathan Swift ; edited with an introduction by Angus Ross and David Woolley

Swift's Tale of a Tub may not be as well known as Gulliver's Travels, but it is perhaps his signature work. The Tale is a rambling, frequently scathing satire directed at Catholics, Calvinists, Authors, Critics, and a host of leading intellectuals of Swift's day. It has moments that are very funny, and finds some pretty inventive ways to skewer its targets. Much of it is targeted at people and issues that have long since been forgotten, making it somewhat unaccessable to the modern reader. The appended Battle of the Books is short, accessible, and pretty funny. ( )