Jonathan Swift was born of English parents in Dublin in 1667. He was educated at Kilkenny School and Trinity College in Dublin. Between 1689 and 1699, he was more or less continuously a member of the household of his Kinsman Sir William Temple, a civilized man. During these years Swift read widely. About 1696-1697 he wrote his powerful satires on corruptions in religion and learning which were published in 1704 and reached their final form in the fifth edition of 1710. Temple's death in 1699 left Swift without resources. In 1701 he obtained the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Dublin University. In March 1726 he paid his first visit to England since 1714, bringing with him the manuscript which he began in 1721. Jonathan Swift, who is one of the greatest writers of prose, expired in 1745.