If he had never written Gulliver’s travels, Swift would now be scarcely better known than Burnet, Atterbury, or a score of other 18th century polemicists. Gulliver is his only work known outside academic circles. First published on 28th October 1726, it was an immediate success, three editions appearing by December, with a fourth, and an illustrated edition in 1727. All of these early editions are on display. Also included are "Keys" to the work; contemporary attempts to unlock the political satire.
