The eighth book published by the Folio Society contains the first two voyages. A complete version was not published until 1965. Post World War 2 paper rationing was again the reason for this shortened edition.
The Book
Set in 11 pt Monotype Baskerville, it was printed by the Chiswick Press and bound by Mackay. There are 12 leaves of colour plates.
The Story
Gulliver, a ship's surgeon is is shipwrecked and finds himself on the island of Lilliput. This land is inhabited by a minature race of people. Initially he is an object of wonder and fear but eventually wins the trust of the Emperor. He learns the language and the history of the country, including the reason the inhabitants of a neighbouring island, Blefuscu, are in a virtual state of war with Lilliput. The reason goes back to a decision made by one of the emperor's ancestors about how an egg should be cracked. Gulliver wins favor by capturing the entire naval fleet of Blefuscu, but has also made enemies in the Court. One night a fire breaks out in the royal apartments, and Gulliver extinguishes the fire by urinating on it. His enemies seize on this incident, as Gulliver's act in saving the apartments violates a law about passing water in the grounds of the palace. In a private hearing of the court his death is sought, but a comprimise is made, and that is that he will be blinded. A sympathiser informs Gulliver of this decision, and Gulliver decides he must escape. By a ruse, he is able to get to Blefuscu, and then leaves in a repaired boat. He is eventually rescued and makes his way back to England.
After some time, he decides to set to sea again. His ship is blown of course in a terrible storm. When land is sighted some of the crew make a landing, but Gulliver is left when the crew return hurriedly to the ship when a large creature is spied. Eventually one of these creatures finds Gulliver and he taken home. The creatures are a large intelligent human like race. Gulliver is treated as a marvellous curiosity and is displayed throughout the countryside. He is looked after by Glumadalclitch, the daughter of the farmer who found him. Gulliver is taken to the principal city of the country, Lorbrulgrud, where the Queen buys him and he becomes a great favorite at Court. Still he is treated like a pet much of the time. The King has many conversations with him, learning about the habits, laws and government of England and contrasting them to those of his kingdom.
Although he well treated Gulliver yearns to return home, particularly when he learns that the King would like to find a human woman for him to start a breeding program. Gulliver despairs what may happen to his potential offspring if this ever eventuated. On a trip to a part of the kingdom near the sea an eagle snatches the box that Gulliver is being transported in. It is dropped in the ocean, and Gulliver is rescued by an English ship and makes his way back to England to be reunited with his wife and children.
The two voyages let Swift satire society, with its petty quarrels, court intrigues, politics, injustice and other absurdities.
Criticism
Most critics analyse the satirical nature of the book and its strength in showing some of the absurdities and contradictions in society and its institutions. A more thorough article is found here
The Author
Jonathan Swift was an Anglo-Irish cleric who made his mark as a satarist. Gulliver's Travels is regarded as his masterpiece. Although he never married he had a deep affection for Esther Johnson who he tutored when she was a young girl. From the age of 20 she lived nearby to Swift. She predeceased him, dying at the age of 47. On her death, Swift wrote a memorable essay. When Swift died he was buried beside her.
The Illustrator
Edward Bawden was a prolific artist and illustrator. Much of his work was in advertising, and he also produced murals. He illustrated several other Folio Society books. The next one was William Beckford, Vathek, published in 1958.
The Illustrations
the book examiner 