A Modest Proposal: Reader's Edition

Originally published in by 1729, "A Modest Proposal For preventing the Children of Poor People From being a Burthen to Their Parents or Country, and For making them Beneficial to the Publick"—now commonly referred to as "A Modest Proposal"—is a satirical essay written and published anonymously by Jonathan Swift in 1729. The essay suggests that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food to rich gentlemen and ladies. This satirical hyperbole mocked heartless attitudes towards the poor, as well as British policy toward the Irish in general.

This edition includes an introductory overview to the essay, as well as the complete text.