Publisher's Synopsis
The Battle of the Books is a satirical work by Jonathan Swift, published in 1704. The book is a parody of the literary debate between the Ancients and the Moderns, which was a popular topic of discussion in the late 17th century. The story takes place in the library of St. James's Palace, where the books come to life and engage in a fierce battle over which is superior: the books of the Ancients or the books of the Moderns. The battle is fought between the books themselves, with the Ancients represented by the likes of Homer and Aristotle, and the Moderns represented by the likes of John Dryden and William Temple. The book is a witty commentary on the nature of literary tradition and the role of innovation in literature. It is written in Swift's characteristic style, which is both humorous and biting, and is considered a classic of English literature.While things were in this ferment, discord grew extremely high; hot words passed on both sides, and ill blood was plentifully bred. Here a solitary Ancient, squeezed up among a whole shelf of Moderns, offered fairly to dispute the case, and to prove by manifest reason that the priority was due to them from long possession, and in regard of their prudence, antiquity, and, above all, their great merits toward the Moderns.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
