Battle of the Books

a satirical work by Jonathan Swift, written in 1697, and printed seven years later. It was written when the controversy as to the relative merits of ancient and modern literature was at its height. The Battle of the Books represents a contest between the classic and modern books in the king's library. It is clever and witty, sneering at the shams of pedantry. It was written to uphold the views of Sir William Temple. It contains, however, no true argument, but is merely a satire on Temple's opponents and is full of savage spite. See Swift