Outlines the characteristics of satire; examines the content f satiric literature; explains satiric technique; and discusses the effects and limitations of sati

Provides a comprehensive overview for both beginning and advanced students of satiric forms from ancient poetry to contemporary digital media.

Originally published: Ames: Iowa State University Press, 1967. With new introd.

"A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is a satirical masterpiece that employs biting wit and irony to address the pressing issue of poverty and overpopulation i

Literary satire assumes three main forms: monologue, parody, and narrative (some fictional, some dramatic). This book by Gilbert Highet is a study of these form