Journal to Stella: Letters to Esther Johnson and Rebecca Dingley, 1710-1713

The Journal to Stella, Jonathan Swift's letters to Esther Johnson, and Rebecca Dingley, written between September 1710 and June 1713, provide insight into his experiences in London and his evolving relationship with the two women. This edition combines printed work and manuscript, enhanced by digital image analysis techniques, with a new critical introduction, appendices, and biographical appendix.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 890 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Jonathan Swift's letters to Esther Johnson, Stella, and Rebecca Dingley, written between September 1710 and June 1713, provide an extraordinary insight into his experiences in London during the most politically active and exciting years of his career. These letters offer a remarkable commentary on Swift's evolving relationship with these two women. This edition aims to place the letters alongside Swift's other works and contextualize them within their original political, historical, and cultural contexts. It combines a combination of printed materials and manuscript to present the most comprehensive and accessible text possible, enhanced by the use of the latest digital image analysis techniques to restore previously indecipherable material. In addition to a new critical introduction and appendices, this edition also includes a biographical appendix derived from recently available resources.

The Journal to Stella offers a unique perspective on Swift's life and career, providing a glimpse into his personal thoughts, emotions, and relationships. It sheds light on his social circle, his political affiliations, and his literary endeavors. The letters reveal Swift's wit, humor, and intelligence, as well as his deep affection for his correspondents.

Through his letters, Swift engages in lively debates, discusses current events, and shares his observations on society and politics. He discusses his friendships with prominent figures such as Alexander Pope, John Gay, and Henry Fielding, as well as his relationships with Esther Johnson, Stella, and Rebecca Dingley. The letters provide a rich tapestry of personal and intellectual experiences, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest writers of the eighteenth century.

This edition of The Journal to Stella is a significant contribution to the study of Swift's life and works. It provides a new perspective on his letters and their historical context, and it offers valuable insights into his relationships with Esther Johnson, Stella, and Rebecca Dingley. It is a must-read for anyone interested in eighteenth-century literature, history, and culture.

Weight: 1276g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 52 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009160377