The Journal to Stella   By: Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)

The Journal to Stella by Jonathan Swift is an incredibly fascinating and thought-provoking collection of letters that offers readers a glimpse into the mind and life of the renowned writer himself. The book, composed of personal letters exchanged between Swift and his longtime friend Esther Johnson, known affectionately as Stella, provides an intimate and vivid depiction of their relationship and the events that unfolded during Swift's sojourn in England.

One of the most striking aspects of Swift's writing is his blunt and direct style, which gives the book an air of honesty and authenticity. His letters are filled with candid reflections, witty observations, and witty anecdotes, all of which illustrate his keen intellect and sharp sense of humor. Swift's unique voice captivates the reader from the first page, making it almost impossible to put the book down.

In addition to the captivating writing style, the content of The Journal to Stella offers an intriguing insight into the political and social climate of the time. Swift's letters often touch upon the tumultuous political landscape, giving readers a firsthand account of the intrigues and power struggles that were prevalent during that era. Additionally, his observations on society and human nature provide a striking commentary on the complexities of human relationships and the flaws of the society in which he lived.

What makes this book all the more captivating is the underlying love and affection that permeates Swift's letters to Stella. Their relationship is delicately explored throughout the book, revealing a deep emotional connection and affection between the two. While the exact nature of their relationship has been a subject of much speculation and debate, Swift's heartfelt and tender words leave little doubt about the strength of their bond.

Despite the brilliance of this book, it is worth noting that the narrative can occasionally feel disjointed and fragmented. The letters, being a collection of personal correspondence, lack a linear storytelling structure, often jumping between different topics and timeframes. While this may confuse some readers, it also adds an authentic touch to the book, mimicking the nature of personal reflections and conversations.

Overall, The Journal to Stella is a captivating and deeply personal work that sheds light on the life and mind of one of the literary geniuses of his time. Jonathan Swift's raw honesty, sharp wit, and profound insights make this book a compelling read for anyone interested in the life of the author or the social and political climate of the early 18th century. It is a journey that will leave readers both enamored with Swift's brilliance and yearning for more of his captivating words.

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The history of the publication of the Journal to Stella is somewhat curious. On Swift's death twenty five of the letters, forming the closing portion of the series, fell into the hands of Dr. Lyon, a clergyman who had been in charge of Swift for some years. The letters passed to a man named Wilkes, who sold them for publication. They accordingly appeared in 1766 in the tenth volume of Dr. Hawkesworth's quarto edition of Swift's works; but the editor made many changes in the text, including a suppression of most of the "little language." The publishers, however, fortunately for us, were public spirited enough to give the manuscripts (with one exception) to the British Museum, where, after many years, they were examined by John Forster, who printed in his unfinished "Life of Swift" numerous passages from the originals, showing the manner in which the text had been tampered with by Hawkesworth. Swift himself, too, in his later years, obliterated many words and sentences in the letters, and Forster was able to restore not a few of these omissions. His zeal, however, sometimes led him to make guesses at words which are quite undecipherable... Continue reading book >>