Dublin Festival of History – Jonathan Swift in 1726: The Road to Gulliver’s Travels

As part of the Dublin Festival of History, join acclaimed author and 18th century historian Hester Grant for a fascinating lunchtime talk exploring a pivotal moment in the life of Jonathan Swift.

Exactly 300 years ago, just before the publication of Gulliver’s Travels, what was Swift doing? Where was he, who was influencing him, and how did Swift’s life and experiences shape one of the greatest works of satire ever written?

Hester Grant will uncover the story behind the months leading up to the release of Gulliver’s Travels, offering fresh insights into Swift’s life, friendships and literary world at this extraordinary moment in history.

The talk will also introduce Hester’s acclaimed historical non-fiction book, The Twitnam Summer, which reconstructs Swift’s final months before the publication of his masterpiece, bringing to life the people, places and events that inspired one of literature’s most enduring works.

Whether you’re a lifelong admirer of Swift or discovering his story for the first time, this engaging lunchtime event offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of Ireland’s greatest satirist on the 300th anniversary of Gulliver’s Travels.