Gulliver's Travels (Royal Collector's Edition) (Case Laminate Hardcover with Jacket)
not part of a series
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What’s inside...
Gulliver's Travels, written by Jonathan Swift, is a satirical novel that follows the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver, a ship's surgeon who embarks on several voyages to fantastical lands. The Royal Collector's Edition, presented in a case laminate hardcover with a jacket, is a luxurious version of this classic work. The story is divided into four parts, each detailing Gulliver's encounters with different societies and cultures. In Part I, he finds himself in Lilliput, where the inhabitants are six inches tall. Part II takes him to Brobdingnag, a land of giants. In Part III, Gulliver visits the flying island of Laputa and nearby lands, which are home to a variety of strange and intellectual beings. Finally, Part IV brings him to the country of the Houyhnhnms, rational horses who rule over the brutish Yahoos. Throughout his travels, Gulliver's experiences serve as a mirror to the follies and vices of his (and Swift's) contemporary English society, offering a critique of human nature, politics, and the state of knowledge in the 18th century. Gulliver's misadventures begin when he is first shipwrecked, then abandoned, then attacked by strangers, then attacked by his own crew. Gulliver's attitude hardens as the book progresses. Throughout, Gulliver is presented as being gullible; he believes what he is told, never perceives deeper meanings, is an honest man, and expects others to be honest. This makes for fun and irony; what Gulliver says can be trusted to be accurate, and he does not always understand the meaning of what he perceives.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Gulliver felt when he discovered he was a giant compared to the people of Lilliput?
What can we learn about differences and similarities among people from Gulliver's adventures?
Why is it important to respect and understand cultures that are different from our own?
How do Gulliver's experiences change his views about the world?
What would you do if you found yourself in a strange land like Gulliver?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Gulliver's shoes and ask them how they would navigate challenges in unknown lands.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding in Gulliver's encounters with different societies.
Focus on the reactions of Gulliver and the people he meets, asking your child how they would feel in similar situations.
Use maps or globes to locate and explore the various lands Gulliver visits, enhancing the geographical understanding tied to the story.
Foster a discussion about the moral lessons in the book, such as the importance of tolerance and viewing the world from multiple perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As Gulliver interacts with various societies, his perspective on human nature evolves. His experiences highlight the importance of understanding and accepting different cultures and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy towards their peers who may come from diverse backgrounds and trying to understand situations from others' points of view.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Throughout his voyages, Gulliver faces unexpected challenges and environments. His ability to adapt is crucial for his survival and success in foreign lands.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of being flexible and adapting to new situations, whether it's adjusting to a new school or facing a sudden change in a familiar routine.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Gulliver's observations and reflections on the behaviours and customs of different societies encourage critical thinking and questioning of norms.
Real-World Application: Children learn to analyze situations, ask questions, and make informed decisions rather than accepting information at face value.
Example Lesson: The value of perspective
Explanation: Gulliver's size changes dramatically in different lands, which affects how he is seen by others and how he views the world, teaching about the relativity of one's perspective.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that people can view the same situation differently depending on their experiences and contexts, promoting tolerance and open-mindedness.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks and often perilous situations, Gulliver remains determined and resourceful, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in the face of difficulties and view challenges as opportunities to grow and learn.