Jonathan swift biography sparknotes scarlet fever

(1667-1745)

Who Was Jonathan Swift?

Irish author, clergyman and satirist Jonathan Swift grew up fatherless. Under the care of his uncle, he received a bachelor's degree from Trinity College and then worked as a statesman's assistant.

Eventually, he became dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. Most of his writings were published under pseudonyms. He best remembered for his 1726 book Gulliver's Travels.

Early Life and Education

Irish author and satirist Swift was born in Dublin, Ireland on November 30, 1667.

His father, an attorney, also named Jonathan Swift, died just two months before he arrived.

Jonathan swift biography sparknotes scarlet fever

Without steady income, his mother struggled to provide for her newborn. Moreover, Swift was a sickly child. It was later discovered that he suffered from Meniere's Disease, a condition of the inner ear that leaves the afflicted nauseous and hard of hearing.

In an effort to give her son the best upbringing possible, Swift's mother gave him over to Godwin Swift,