The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 10: Historical Writings

A historical account likely written during the early 18th century. This volume includes Swift's ''History of the Four Last Years of the Queen,'' which examines the political landscape during Queen Anne's reign, highlighting events, actions, and motivations of key figures in her administration. The work aims to provide readers with an insightful perspective on the political dynamics of the time, aiming to refute various misconceptions that arose after the queen's death. The opening of this work presents a detailed introduction to the context in which Swift wrote his history. It discusses his hesitations and challenges in publishing the manuscript, especially the influence and opinions of key figures such as Lord Oxford and Lord Bolingbroke on his writing process. Constructed from Swift's firsthand experiences and correspondence with contemporaries, the text emphasizes his intent to portray an impartial account of the actions taken during these critical years. Through his historical narrative, Swift also comments on his relationships with various political personalities and the motivations that shaped their actions within the tumult of early 18th-century politics.