'The best biography of Swift to date.' Michael Foot, Observer

'David Nokes's book is splendid.' Denis Donoghue, London Review of Books

David Nokes presents a gripping and authoritative portrait of Swift in his multifarious roles as satirist, politician, churchman and friend. Drawing on the most recent scholarship, he seeks in particular to re-establish a proper balance between Swift's public and private lives.

'Some books give the reader an immediate sense of confidence in the author and this admirable new biography of Swift is one of them.' Yorkshire Post

'Should remain the standard one-volume Life for years to come.' New York Times