Gulliver's Travels (Borders Classics)

264 pp. Many people who have never read Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World, in Four Parts, by Lemuel Gulliver, better known as Gulliver's Travels, nevertheless feel that they know it. The Voyages to Lilliput, Where everyone is six inches tall, have been widely adapted, usually after having their coarser parts scrubbed away. That leaves still to be discovered the voyages to Laputa (a flying island), Lagado (where scientists try to extract sunbeams from cucumbers,) Glubbdubdrib (an island of sorcerers), Luggnagg (Where the immortal Struldbrugs live,) and the country of the Houyhnhnms and Yahoos. The book is a stinging satire on all aspects of early eighteenth century England, and although catching the references to the South Sea Company, and the Royan Society may deepen the pleasure of the story, Swift's brisk, clear prose is enough to ensure that any ready can enjoy it.