Subject
Satire, English Books
Best books
Ben Jonson
Volpone; Or, The Fox
"Volpone; Or, The Fox" by Ben Jonson is a comedy play first produced in 1605–1606. In this merciless satire of greed and lust, a wealthy Venetian pretends to be dying to trick three greedy men hoping to inherit his fortune. With his cunning servant Mosca, Volpone weaves elaborate deceptions that escalate dangerously when desire for a beautiful woman enters the scheme. The plots grow increasingly complex until master and servant become entangled in their own web of lies, leading to consequences neither anticipated.
C. M. (Charles Molloy) Westmacott
The English Spy: An Original Work Characteristic, Satirical, And Humorous. Comprising Scenes And Sketches In Every Rank Of Society, Being Portraits Drawn From The Life
"The English Spy: An Original Work Characteristic, Satirical, And Humorous" by Bernard Blackmantle is a satirical novel written in the early 19th century. The book aims to explore life in various strata of society through humorous sketches and sharp character studies. Bernard Blackmantle himself appears to be the central character, presenting his perspective on the social dynamics of his time. At the start of the novel, Blackmantle directly addresses the critics, expressing a defiant and humorous approach toward literary reviews. He humorously reflects on the nature of modern satire while outlining his intentions for the book and his disdain for conventional literary norms. The opening portion introduces Blackmantle's observant nature and desire to take a light-hearted yet incisive look at the folly of human behavior and social customs, setting the tone for the entertaining sketches of characters and scenes that are likely to follow.
Jonathan Swift
The Battle of the Books, and other Short Pieces
"The Battle of the Books, and other Short Pieces" by Jonathan Swift is a satire published in 1704. It depicts a literal battle between books in the King's Library, where ancient and modern works come alive to fight for supremacy. The piece enters a heated debate about whether contemporary learning surpasses classical knowledge. Through epic combat and the famous allegory of the spider and bee, Swift explores themes of pride, madness, and the relationship between creators and critics—without revealing which side wins.
Saki
The Chronicles of Clovis
"The Chronicles of Clovis" by Saki is a collection of short stories published in 1911. This volume features 28 tales set in Edwardian England, many centered on the witty and mischievous dandy Clovis Sangrail. The stories showcase Saki's trademark blend of sharp humor, social satire, and occasional darkness, depicting privileged characters navigating country-house parties, practical jokes, and absurd situations. Known for its epigrammatic brilliance and unsentimental perspective, the collection established itself as Saki's most characteristic work, praised for its precision and mastery.
Unknown
A Satire Anthology
"A Satire Anthology" by Carolyn Wells is a collection of satirical poetry compiled in the early 20th century. The anthology features a variety of works by notable poets, including classical and contemporary satirists, exploring themes of human folly, societal norms, and political commentary through humor and irony. At the start of the anthology, the introduction discusses the nature of satire, its dependency on both the writer's intent and the reader's perspective, and the evolution of the genre through history. Wells emphasizes how classic satirists like Horace and Juvenal laid the groundwork for humor and political critique, arguing that modern satire has significantly changed while still retaining its core function of reflecting society’s absurdities. The opening lays the groundwork for the diverse and sharp wit found in the subsequent poems, setting the stage for a rich exploration of human nature and societal critique through humor.
Jonathan Swift
A Tale of a Tub
"A Tale of a Tub" by Jonathan Swift is a prose satire written between 1694 and 1697 and published in 1704. Through an allegory of three brothers representing branches of Christianity and a series of wild digressions, Swift parodies religious excess and contemporary intellectual trends. The work attacks Catholic, Anglican, and Dissenting churches while mocking modern writing styles in politics, theology, and medicine. Enormously popular yet widely misunderstood, it was condemned as profane and effectively barred Swift from advancement in the Church of England.
Richard Tickell
The Rolliad, in Two Parts Probationary Odes for the Laureatship & Political Eclogues
"The Rolliad, in Two Parts" by Tickell, Ellis, Laurence, and Richardson is a work of British political satire published serially in 1784–85. This collaborative work takes the ingenious form of literary criticism examining a fictional epic poem about John Rolle, MP for Devon, being guided through Parliament by Merlin. The satire primarily targets Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger and his administration, mocking Pitt's youth, personal habits, and political allies through witty verse and biting commentary that captured the political tensions of its era.
Jonathan Swift
The Bickerstaff-Partridge Papers
"The Bickerstaff-Partridge Papers" by Jonathan Swift is a satirical work that primarily critiques the practice of astrology, written in the early 18th century, specifically during the early 1700s. This book combines elements of political satire and humor to address the absurdities associated with almanacs and their creators, particularly in relation to the prevalent superstition surrounding predictions of future events. Swift adopts the persona of Isaac Bickerstaff, an astrologer, to expose the foolhardiness of blindly believing in such predictions. The narrative unfolds through a series of humorous predictions made by Bickerstaff, which are intentionally exaggerated and absurd to illustrate the ridiculous nature of astrology. The central character, John Partridge, an actual almanac-maker, becomes the target of Bickerstaff's satire, as his supposed death is forecasted in a comedic twist of fate. The writings include a mock elegy for Partridge, along with his desperate attempts to defend himself against Bickerstaff's claims, revealing a lively back-and-forth filled with wit and irony. The work not only entertains but also serves as a critical commentary on the gullibility of the public and the charlatanism of those who exploit such beliefs for profit.
Unknown
English Satires
"English Satires" by William Henry Oliphant Smeaton is a collection of satirical works exploring the development of satire in English literature from the medieval period to the 19th century. Compiled in the late 19th century, this text focuses on key figures in the tradition of English satire, such as Geoffrey Chaucer, John Lydgate, and Jonathan Swift. Through a representative selection, the compilation illustrates the thematic and stylistic evolution of satire, reflecting societal critiques and literary characteristics across various eras. The opening of the collection includes a preface by the author outlining the purpose and structure of the volume, as well as detailed introductions to individual pieces that allow readers to appreciate the nuances of different satirical approaches. The first excerpt features Langland's "Pilgrimage in Search of Do-well," where the Dreamer embarks on a quest for virtue, encountering various characters along the way. Tension arises from the notion of Do-well being elusive, as the Dreamer seeks guidance but faces confusion even among the learned. This initial exploration sets the stage for further satirical commentary on morality and societal institutions through the subsequent selections, such as Chaucer’s sharp portraits of a monk and a friar, each embodying flaws in the religious order.
P. H. (Peter Hampson) Ditchfield
The Romance of Mathematics Being the Original Researches of a Lady Professor of Girtham College in Polemical Science, with some Account of the Social Properties of a Conic; Equations to Brain Waves; Social Forces; and the Laws of Political Motion.
"The Romance of Mathematics" by P. H. Ditchfield is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores original mathematical theories and their social applications, particularly through the lens of a fictional Lady Professor from Girtham College. The book delves into topics such as the social properties of geometrical figures, the application of mathematics to politics, and the impact of mathematical principles on social dynamics. The opening of the text introduces the reader to the framework of the book, revealing that the Lady Professor's lectures and essays were discovered in a well-worn desk and promising an exploration of her groundbreaking thoughts. The introduction discusses her qualifications and the potential societal implications of her mathematical insights, suggesting that principles governing mathematics also apply to social structures. Ditchfield sets the stage for a thoughtful analysis of how various mathematical concepts relate to political science and social behaviors, particularly emphasizing the importance of women’s contributions to academia and progress.
Edward Jenkins
Ginx's Baby: His Birth and Other Misfortunes; a Satire
"Ginx's Baby: His Birth and Other Misfortunes; a Satire" by Edward Jenkins is a satirical novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story begins with the birth of Ginx's Baby to Mrs. Ginx in a poor and overcrowded household, highlighting the struggles of working-class life in Victorian England. The narrative explores themes of poverty, societal neglect, and the conflicting responsibilities of parenthood through the lens of the Ginx family's experiences. The opening of the novel introduces us to Ginx, a navvy living in Westminster with his wife and their numerous children. The circumstances surrounding Ginx's thirteenth child reflect the dire conditions of their living situation, with hints of Ginx's frustration over his large family. Following the birth, Ginx contemplates extreme measures to alleviate their plight, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the community and authorities regarding his newborn. The narrative sets the stage for a critique of societal systems, including government and religion, as Ginx's Baby becomes the focal point for various groups eager to influence or control his future, showcasing a vivid snapshot of the complexities of 19th-century life and social issues.
William Makepeace Thackeray
The Fitz-Boodle Papers
"The Fitz-Boodle Papers" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a satirical work that combines elements of autobiography and fiction, likely written in the early 19th century. The book is narrated by George Fitz-Boodle, a disillusioned gentleman who shares humorous anecdotes about his life, his social aspirations, and his unfortunate romantic entanglements, particularly focusing on his love for women and his passion for smoking. The opening of the narrative introduces George Fitz-Boodle, who expresses his boredom and despair over his financial woes following a streak of bad luck at whist against a skilled French player. He decides to write essays for a magazine as a way to fill his time and earn some money. Throughout the preface, he reflects on his reputation as a smoker, his tumultuous relationships with women, and his disdain for the literary crowd, whom he finds dull. Fitz-Boodle's charmingly self-deprecating tone and social observations set the stage for an exploration of his character and the eccentricities of the society around him.
Recently surfaced classics