Gulliver’s Travels is a satirical novel by Jonathan Swift that follows the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver, a ship’s surgeon who journeys to fantastical lands. In Lilliput, he encounters a race of tiny people obsessed with trivial politics; in Brobdingnag, he is dwarfed by giants who view European civilization as ridiculous. Gulliver’s travels continue to other strange places, including Laputa, an island of impractical scientists, and finally the land of the Houyhnhnms, rational horses who live in contrast to the savage, human-like Yahoos.

Through these voyages, Swift critiques various aspects of 18th-century British society, including politics, science, and human nature. The novel uses humor and exaggeration to expose the flaws of pride, hypocrisy, and the abuse of power. While often read as a children’s adventure story, Gulliver’s Travels is a deeply satirical work that challenges readers to question societal norms and their own moral values. Its blend of fantasy and sharp social commentary has made it a lasting classic in world literature.