Dear wwh,
Dr. Johnson disliked Gulliver. He disliked the concept. He spoke a great deal about it, so I couldn't begin to quote him, but in a nutshell, he implied that once Swift realized his fantastic idea, no real imagination or literary powers were required. What would it be like to be possessed by a land of miniature people or giants? In Johnson's mind the outcome was so predictable that the imagination didn't have to be overtaxed--I think it was the predictability factor that was one of his numerous complaints about Swift.
Honestly, whatever people read is fine with me. I just wouldn't want to be kicked off the board because I have a low tolerance for fantasy. And apparently Sam Johnson would have at least understood. But, then again, maybe Tolkein has more to offer than Swift. I'm just not tempted.
(Probably Johnson's comments on Swift are to be found somewhere in Boswell's Life of Johnson...)
Boswell regards, Now that's an author I look forward to reading again upon retirement!-,
Wordwind
