A Modest Proposal
Jonathan Swift
Read by John Gonzalez
Jonathan Swift almost defines satire in this biting and brutal pamphlet in which he suggests that poor (Catholic) Irish families should fatten up their children and sell them to the rich (Protestant) land owners, thus solving the twin problems of starving children and poverty in one blow. When the “Proposal” was published in 1729, Swift was quickly attacked, and even accused of barbarity – the exact state the “Proposal” was written to expose. (Summary by Hugh) (0 hr 27 min)
Chapters
| A Modest Proposal | 27:15 | Read by John Gonzalez |
Reviews
Brief but biting satire, well read.
Timothy Ferguson
This is such a short piece that generally it would be in a larger collection, so, why not download it? I am listening to it during the middle of the Occupy protest movement, which makes it seem particularly topical.
Well read Butter Hard theme
Ines Mayo
Maybe because I'm a Mother... I couldn't warm up to this satire. I recognized it as such and see that it is well written and very well read, but I did not like this book.
Well, that was interesting.
Wintergreen
It is a satirical work, obviously, and would be quite horrible if put into use. I think it's funny that it was the American friend who knew that babies taste good.
Definitely worth a listen!
Strainedcounter
It's fascinating to listen to something like this from so long ago. So old, and yet the issues it raises are still around today. The narrator is very good.
DJSMDJD
Excellent reading! As to the subject matter, being of Irish-American stock, I was surprised to learn this was offered by the Anglish as satire😎
Ironbutterfly
wonderfully written if you can accept the satirical nature yet his making a true point at that time.
I love it
A LibriVox Listener
old works with good humor crude but I believe it was the point
how inspiring.
Mattyander
what a interesting idea. satire at it's best