Parodies, Hoaxes, Mock Treatises: Polite Conversation, Directions to Servants and Other Works

Valerie Rumbold's editing of Swift's Bickerstaff papers, Polite Conversation, Directions to Servants, and other works on language and conduct provides a new depth and detail to the modern reader, with highlights such as an investigation of the political and print contexts, commentaries on smaller works, identification of additional sayings, and contextualization of Directions to Servants in contemporary domestic theory and practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 913 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Swift's parodies are among his most captivating works, yet they may require the most explanation for the modern reader. Valerie Rumbold's editing of Swift's Bickerstaff papers, Polite Conversation, Directions to Servants, and other works on language and conduct brings a new depth and detail to these texts. Highlights include a fresh investigation of the political and print contexts of the Bickerstaff papers, full commentaries on smaller works such as "A Modest Defence of Punning" and "On Barbarous Denominations in Ireland," identification and explanation of numerous additional sayings in Polite Conversation, and a detailed contextualization of Directions to Servants in contemporary domestic theory and practice. A substantial thematic Introduction is supplemented by individual headnotes and full annotations to each work. The Textual Introduction explores Swift and his booksellers' publishing strategies, and a separate Textual Account of each work presents and discusses changes in the texts over time.

Introduction:
Swift's parodies are a testament to his wit and creativity, and they continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and readers alike. Rumbold's editing of these works provides a valuable resource for those seeking to understand Swift's literary and social context.

Editing Approach:
Rumbold's editing approach is meticulous and thorough. She has carefully examined the original texts and has provided extensive footnotes and annotations to explain the historical, political, and social contexts of the works. This allows the modern reader to gain a deeper understanding of Swift's satire and his critique of contemporary society.

Highlights:
One of the most significant contributions of Rumbold's editing is her fresh investigation of the political and print contexts of the Bickerstaff papers. She has uncovered new information about the publication of these papers and has provided insights into the political and social climate of the time. This provides a valuable context for understanding Swift's satire and his critique of the British government and society.

In addition to the Bickerstaff papers, Rumbold has also provided full commentaries on smaller works such as "A Modest Defence of Punning" and "On Barbarous Denominations in Ireland." These commentaries provide valuable insights into Swift's literary style and his use of language. Rumbold has also identified and explained numerous additional sayings in Polite Conversation, which adds to the richness and depth of the text.

Finally, Rumbold has provided a detailed contextualization of Directions to Servants in contemporary domestic theory and practice. This allows the modern reader to understand Swift's satire in a broader context and to see how his views on language and conduct were influenced by the social and cultural norms of his time.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Rumbold's editing of Swift's Bickerstaff papers, Polite Conversation, Directions to Servants, and other works on language and conduct is a valuable contribution to the study of Swift's literature. Her meticulous and thorough approach provides new insights into the historical, political, and social contexts of these works, and her detailed annotations and commentary add to the richness and depth of the text. This edition is a must-have for anyone interested in Swift's satire and his critique of contemporary society.

Weight: 1308g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 53 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009160384