This book contains the following story:
Gulliver's Travels
Gulliver's Travels is a satirical novel written by Jonathan Swift and first published in 1726. The story follows Lemuel Gulliver, a ship's surgeon, as he embarks on four extraordinary journeys to different fantastical lands. Shipwrecked and cast adrift, Lemuel Gulliver wakes to find himself on Lilliput, an island inhabited by little people, whose height makes their quarrels over fashion and fame seem ridiculous. His subsequent encounters - with the crude giants of Brobdingnag, the philosophical Houyhnhnms and brutish Yahoos - give Gulliver new, bitter insights into human behaviour. Here is a summary of the plot: Part I: A Voyage to Lilliput: Gulliver's first journey takes him to the land of Lilliput, where he encounters a race of tiny people only six inches tall. Initially captured and imprisoned by the Lilliputians, Gulliver gains their trust and becomes a valued member of their society. He assists the Lilliputians in various political and military conflicts before eventually leaving Lilliput. Part II: A Voyage to Brobdingnag: Gulliver's second journey takes him to the land of Brobdingnag, where the inhabitants are giants compared to him. Initially frightened and vulnerable, Gulliver becomes an object of fascination and curiosity for the Brobdingnagians. He serves as a court entertainer and engages in discussions with the king about the flaws of humanity. Eventually, Gulliver is returned to England. Part III: A Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, Glubbdubdrib, and Japan. Gulliver's third journey takes him to various strange and fictional lands. He visits Laputa, a floating island inhabited by intellectuals detached from the realities of the world. Gulliver also explores the nearby lands of Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, and Glubbdubdrib, where he encounters peculiar customs and engages in philosophical discussions. Part IV: A Voyage to the Country of the Houyhnhnms: Gulliver's fourth and final journey takes him to the land of the Houyhnhnms, a race of highly intelligent and rational horse-like beings. Gulliver is initially captured and mistreated by the savage Yahoos, who are human-like creatures. He eventually gains the trust and friendship of the Houyhnhnms, who consider him a Yahoo with some potential for reason. Gulliver becomes repulsed by humanity and rejects his own kind, longing to stay with the Houyhnhnms. However, circumstances force him to leave and return to England. Upon his return home, Gulliver finds it difficult to readjust to human society, feeling disillusioned and disgusted by human behavior. He becomes alienated and withdraws from society, contemplating the differences and flaws he witnessed in his travels. The novel ends with Gulliver's reflections on the flaws of humanity and the complexities of the world.
"Gulliver's Travels" is a work of satire that uses Gulliver's fantastical journeys to critique various aspects of society, politics, and human nature. Swift's novel tackles themes such as the abuse of power, the irrationality of human behavior, and the shortcomings of society. It remains a classic and influential work of English literature, known for its imaginative storytelling and biting social commentary.
