A Bibliographical Analysis of Jonathan Swift’s 'Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift'

FAIN: FT-51702-03

Stephen Edwin Karian
Mizzou (Milwaukee, WI 53233-2225)

I will conduct a thorough bibliographical analysis of George Faulkner's Dublin editions of Swift's poem 'Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift.' This project will for the first time make it possible to understand the stages of this poem's composition and revision, to assess whether Swift was responsible for the revisions in these editions, and to determine the probable motives and purposes for these revisions. I will situate this project in relation to Swift's deep concern with his texts' integrity and his self-presentation as an author. After completing this project, I can begin to construct an edition superior to those currently available, since it would include facsimile images of the entire poem and a full list of variants.