"It is very refreshing to find Swift discussed alongside more contemporary writers and genres. Stimulating and provocative, [this book] resonates beyond Swift himself to illuminate broader issues of the age, especially in its discussion of religion." - Jeffrey Smitten, Professor of English, Utah State University, USA "Atkins provides a major resource to contemporary readers of 18th-century literature ... Read moreby considering Swift's major satires in the context of the post-Reformation 'priesthood of all readers' By connecting Swift's works with later authors, Atkins opens up an exploration of modern self-sufficiency, figured in the image of the spider, and illuminates Swift's satires on the intellectual, religious, and philosophical situations of his day. The allegory of the dispute between the 'scurrilous spider' and the bee, along with references to 19th- and 20th-century essays, creates a new space for discussing Swift's classic satires, especially A Tale of a Tub and 'A Modest Proposal.' This text provides a fresh look at discussions of Swift's position on reading and writing, especially on the introspective interpretations encouraged by the development of the personal essay. Atkins's work provides a valuable reference for the serious student of satire, and it belongs in libraries catering to specialists in 18th-century literature. Summing Up: Recommended." - Choice Show Less