Jonathan Swift was an Irish writer and satirist, born on November 30, 1667, in Dublin, Ireland. He is best known for his works that critique society and politics, particularly through the use of humor and irony. His most famous work, Gulliver's Travels, published in 1726, explores themes of human nature and the flaws of various societies. Swift was also a prominent political figure and served as a cleric in the Church of Ireland. He was involved in the political debates of his time, often using his writing to express his views on issues such as British rule in Ireland. Swift passed away on October 19, 1745, leaving a lasting impact on literature and satire.