A unique copy of Gulliver’s Travels — believed to be the only known copy owned by Jonathan Swift and marked with corrections in his own handwriting — will be at the centre of a free public lecture in Armagh this autumn.
Professor Moyra Haslett will deliver The Armagh Gulliver’s Travels at Armagh Robinson Library on Thursday 12 November 2026. The lecture will run from 7.30pm to 9pm, with booking essential.
What the Armagh lecture will explore
The event is the second lecture in a series marking the 300th anniversary of the publication of Swift’s famous work. Professor Haslett will examine the annotations and corrections in the library’s copy, and explain what they reveal about Swift’s book and its earliest readers.
“I am really looking forward to talking about Armagh Robinson Library’s copy of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ – a truly unique copy in being the only copy of the book known to have been owned by Swift and with annotated corrections in his own hand.”
Professor Haslett said the history of the “Armagh Gulliver” also raises unresolved questions, while offering important insight into the well-known work.
She has published extensively on literature and culture from 1680 to 1830. Her research has included Irish writing in English, women’s writing and Jonathan Swift’s poetry, birthday celebrations, conversational culture and political ballads written in his praise in Dublin in 1724-25.
Library exhibition continues
The lecture is part of a wider programme at Armagh Robinson Library. Its Gulliver at 300 exhibition will remain on display until the end of 2026.
Created by the library’s archivist, Thirza Mulder, the exhibition considers Swift’s work as a commentary on 18th-century society, politics, science, education and human nature.
The Very Revd Shane Forster, Keeper of Armagh Robinson Library, said the library was delighted to welcome Professor Haslett for the second lecture in the series. He also acknowledged the support of Professor Haslett and Queen’s University Belfast.
Professor Haslett has taught English literature at Queen’s University Belfast since 1999 and became Professor of Eighteenth-Century and Romantic Literature in 2012. She was elected to the Royal Irish Academy in 2019 in recognition of her scholarship.
Admission to the Armagh event is free, but places must be booked in advance.