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16. Swift, Jonathan, 1667-1745.

A tale of a tub : written for the universal improvement of mankind ... To which is added, An account of a battel between the antient and modern books in St. James's Library ...(London : printed for John Nutt, 1704-1710) "A full and true account of the battel fought last Friday, between the antient and the modern books" and "A discourse concerning the mechanical operation of the spirit" have separate title-pages.

16. Swift, Jonathan, 1667-1745. A tale of a tub

On display are the first five editions (1704-1710). The 5th edition is notable for its illustrations. The book was Swift’s first major work and includes his contribution to the controversy then current as to whether the state of learning was superior among the ancients or the moderns. Swift’s patron Sir William Temple supported the ancients so Swift wrote in support of them as well.

Also included are contemporary "Keys" to the Tale.

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