A gift book in a leather cover "Gulliver's Travels" by J. Swift

"Travels to some remote countries of the world in four parts: the work of Lemuel Gulliver, first a surgeon, and then the captain of several ships" (eng. Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World, in Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, First a Surgeon, and then a Captain of Several Ships), often abbreviated as Gulliver's Travels, is a satirical fantasy novel by Jonathan Swift, in which human and social vices are vividly and wittily ridiculed. The novel contains a fascinating adventure plot combining elements of fiction, utopia, dystopia and satirical parable, grotesque and allegory are widely used.

Judging by Swift's correspondence, he had the idea for the book around 1720. The beginning of the work dates back to 1721; in January 1723, Swift wrote: "I have left the Land of Horses and am staying on the flying island... my last two trips will soon end." Work on the book continued until 1725. In 1726, Gulliver's Travels (without specifying the name of the real author) was published. The book, somewhat spoiled by censorship, enjoys unprecedented success, and its authorship is no secret to anyone. Gulliver's Travels was reprinted three times in a few months, translations into German, Dutch, Italian and other languages soon appeared, as well as extensive commentaries deciphering Swift's hints and allegories.

Swift's book has caused many imitations and sequels. They were started by the French translator of Gulliver, Defontaine, who composed Gulliver's Son's Travels. The words "lilliput" and "yahoo" coined by Swift have entered many languages of the world.