Jonathan Swift's (1667–1745) family was poor, but a generous uncle funded Jonathan's education at Kilkenny Grammar School and at Trinity College, Dublin. Undecided about what career to pursue, Swift went to live with and work for Sir William Temple in Surrey. There he met "Stella," to whom he dedicated much of his work. Swift was buried by her side, although in life their relationship was unsteady. After reading one of Swift's first publications, John Dryden told him, "Cousin Swift, you will never be a poet." Very soon after this, Swift left Temple's home for Ireland and became an Anglican priest. Two years later, though, he rededicated himself to a writing career.

Swift suffered from dizziness and nausea (probably Ménière's syndrome) for most of his life. While he said that he "liked individuals but hated humanity," he cared enough to try to mend the evils that he saw in the world. Swift wrote biting commentaries and satires for numerous periodicals and journals, and, as its official pamphleteer, wrote position papers for the Tory government, as well as his own epitaph: "Where fierce indignation no longer tears the heart." Notable satirical works by Swift include The Battle of the Books (1704, composed 1697), A Tale of a Tub (1704), Gulliver's Travels (1726), and "A Modest Proposal" (1729, see page 643).