Most Popular Books by Samuel Butler

Hailed by George Bernard Shaw as "one of the summits of human achievement," this 1903 novel satirizes the hypocrisy underlying Victorian England''s major institutions — family, church, and class structure.

Erewhon, or Over The Range Samuel Butler - Erewhon: or, Over the Range is a novel by Samuel Butler which was first published anonymously in 1872,set in a fictional country discovered and explored by the protagonist. Butler meant the title to be understood as the word "nowhere" backwards even though the letters "h" and "w" are transposed. The book is a satire on Victorian society.The first few chapters of the novel dealing with the discovery of Erewhon are in fact based on Butler''s own experiences in New Zealand, where, as a young man, he worked as a sheep farmer on Mesopotamia Station for about four years (186064), and explored parts of the interior of the South Island and which he wrote about in his A First Year in Canterbury Settlement (1863).The novel is one of the first to explore ideas of artificial intelligence, as influenced by Darwin''s recently published On the Origin of Species (1859) and the machines developed out of the Industrial Revolution (late 18th to early 19th centuries). Specifically, it concerns itself, in the three-chapter "Book of the Machines", with the potentially dangerous ideas of machine consciousness and self-replicating machines.

Samuel Butler''s ''Life and Habit'' is a thought-provoking exploration of the concepts of heredity and instinct, blending scientific theories with philosophical reflections. Written in a witty and satirical style, the book challenges the prevailing views of its time, questioning traditional beliefs about the transmission of traits across generations. Through a series of fictional dialogues and scientific analyses, Butler presents a compelling argument that habits and instincts play a crucial role in shaping individuals and societies. His unique blend of humor and intelligence makes ''Life and Habit'' a captivating read that continues to stir debates in the fields of biology and psychology. Samuel Butler''s background as a Victorian-era writer and naturalist provides valuable insights into his motivations for writing ''Life and Habit.'' Influenced by the works of Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer, Butler was inspired to challenge the deterministic views of heredity prevalent in his time. By delving into the complexities of human behavior, Butler offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between nature and nurture. I highly recommend ''Life and Habit'' to readers interested in exploring the intersections of science, philosophy, and literature, as it invites us to rethink our understanding of the forces that shape our lives.

In Samuel Butler''s ''Alps and Sanctuaries of Piedmont and the Canton Ticino'', readers are taken on a picturesque journey through the stunning landscapes of the Alps and the religious sanctuaries that dot the region. Butler showcases his keen eye for detail and his lyrical prose style as he describes the natural beauty of the mountains and the spiritual significance of the sanctuaries. Written in the mid-19th century, the book provides a window into the Victorian fascination with travel and exploration, as well as the intersection of nature and religion in European culture. Butler''s work exemplifies the travel writing genre, blending vivid descriptions with insightful reflections on the human connection to the natural world. Samuel Butler, a prolific Victorian author and thinker, drew inspiration from his own travels through Europe to write ''Alps and Sanctuaries''. His deep appreciation for nature and his interest in religious practices shine through in the pages of this book, offering readers a unique perspective on the landscapes and cultures of the region. Butler''s background in classics and philosophy influenced his nuanced approach to exploring the relationship between humans and their surroundings. I highly recommend ''Alps and Sanctuaries of Piedmont and the Canton Ticino'' to readers interested in travel literature, Victorian culture, and the intersection of nature and spirituality. Butler''s evocative writing and insightful observations make this book a captivating read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Alps and the religious traditions of the region.

Erewhon: or, Over the Range is a novel by Samuel Butler which was first published anonymously in 1872, set in a fictional country discovered and explored by the protagonist. Butler meant the title to be understood as the word "nowhere" backwards even though the letters "h" and "w" are transposed. The book is a satire on Victorian society.The first few chapters of the novel dealing with the discovery of Erewhon are in fact based on Butler''s own experiences in New Zealand, where, as a young man, he worked as a sheep farmer on Mesopotamia Station for about four years (1860-64), and explored parts of the interior of the South Island and which he wrote about in his A First Year in Canterbury Settlement (1863).The novel is one of the first to explore ideas of artificial intelligence, as influenced by Darwin''s recently published On the Origin of Species (1859) and the machines developed out of the Industrial Revolution (late 18th to early 19th centuries). Specifically, it concerns itself, in the three-chapter "Book of the Machines", with the potentially dangerous ideas of machine consciousness and self-replicating machines

★This Book has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability★ ◆Well Illustrated ◆One of the best Book to read ◆Well Formatted The Way of All Flesh (sometimes called Ernest Pontifex, or the Way of All Flesh) is a semi-autobiographical novel by Samuel Butler that attacks Victorian-era hypocrisy. Written between 1873 and 1884, it traces four generations of the Pontifex family. Butler dared not publish it during his lifetime, but when it was published (in 1903) it was accepted as part of the general reaction against Victorianism. The title is a common misquotation of a Biblical Hebrew expression, to "go the way of all the earth", meaning "to die" (1 Kings 2:2 etc.).

Reproduction of the original: Erewhon Revisited by Samuel Butler

"Sensible people get the greater part of their dying done during their own lifetime." Samuel Butler(4th December 1835 - 18th June 1902) had both a father and grandfather in the church and was being groomed by his father to be a priest. However, after a first at Cambridge, he decided he wanted to be an artist. His father could not and would not consider such a thing and by mutual consent Samuel went to New Zealand to be a sheep farmer. Here he started writing which he continued on his return to London as well as taking up painting. Whilst he did have several paintings exhibited at the Royal Academy, his talent undoubtably was in his writing but the extent of which was only really apparent after his death. This was due entirely to his great work, "The Way of All Flesh" published the year after he died to tumultuous acclaim which is well illustrated by George Bernard Shaw describing it as "one of the summits of human achievement." "The Way of All Flesh" is a thinly disguised autobiographical account of his own harsh Christian upbringing as it traces the life and loves of Ernest Pontifex and his family. Along the way, it satires Victorian values and beliefs and with brilliant wit and irony offers a powerful indictment of most 19th-century institutions in England. Each generation has found that despite the book savaging Victorian hypocrisy, it still speaks to every era as ultimately the theme of young people growing up wanting a greater degree of personal freedom than their parents is very much alive and kicking in most families around the world.

Erewhon or Over the Range By Samuel Butler Butler Samuel Butler''s irreverent satire, ''Erewhon'', castigates the hypocrisy of both religion and conventional social mores, and pours scorn on the unthinking acceptance that makes such beliefs possible. In Erewhon (an anagram of ''Nowhere'') ''normal'' behaviour'' consists of hospitalizing fraudsters and chastising the sick; of disregarding genius and praising the insane. Erewhonians are described as "meek and long-suffering, easily led by the nose, and quick to offer up common sense at the shrine of logic" - pointed criticism of both Victorian society and contemporary ''politically-correct'' repression. Butler''s imaginative tale sparkles with wit and prescient insights: his discussion of the dangers posed by increasingly intelligent machines has more relevance today than when it was first written over 130 years ago. We are delighted to publish this classic book as part of our extensive Classic Library collection. Many of the books in our collection have been out of print for decades, and therefore have not been accessible to the general public. The aim of our publishing program is to facilitate rapid access to this vast reservoir of literature, and our view is that this is a significant literary work, which deserves to be brought back into print after many decades. The contents of the vast majority of titles in the Classic Library have been scanned from the original works. To ensure a high quality product, each title has been meticulously hand curated by our staff. Our philosophy has been guided by a desire to provide the reader with a book that is as close as possible to ownership of the original work. We hope that you will enjoy this wonderful classic work, and that for you it becomes an enriching experience. Erewhon or Over the Range, By Samuel Butler Butler,

Erewhon: or, Over the Range is a novel by Samuel Butler which was first published anonymously in 1872, set in a fictional country discovered and explored by the protagonist. Butler meant the title to be understood as the word "nowhere" backwards even though the letters "h" and "w" are transposed. The book is a satire on Victorian society.The first few chapters of the novel dealing with the discovery of Erewhon are in fact based on Butler''s own experiences in New Zealand, where, as a young man, he worked as a sheep farmer on Mesopotamia Station for about four years (1860-64), and explored parts of the interior of the South Island and which he wrote about in his A First Year in Canterbury Settlement (1863).The novel is one of the first to explore ideas of artificial intelligence, as influenced by Darwin''s recently published On the Origin of Species (1859) and the machines developed out of the Industrial Revolution (late 18th to early 19th centuries). Specifically, it concerns itself, in the three-chapter "Book of the Machines", with the potentially dangerous ideas of machine consciousness and self-replicating machines

"The Way of All Flesh," an autobiographical account of a harsh Victorian upbringing and troubled adulthood, was penned by Samuel Butler and hailed by George Bernard Shaw as "one of the summits of human achievement." Butler''s novel satirizes Victorian hypocrisy in its chronicle of the life and loves of Ernest Pontifex. Along the way, it offers a powerful indictment of 19th-century England''s major institutions. Beginning with the life of John Pontifex, a carpenter, the novel traces four generations of the Pontifex family, each of which perpetuates the frustration and unhappiness of its predecessor largely as a result of parental repression. Only Ernest Pontifex, the great-grandson of John, is able to break the cycle. After being ordained a minister, serving a prison term because of a naive misunderstanding, and unwittingly entering into a bigamous marriage with the family''s sluttish servant girl, Ernest providentially inherits enough money from a favorite aunt to change his life and become a writer. Even today, 100 years after the book''s publication, readers will find much to identify with in "The Way of All Flesh." Anyone who felt unjustly treated by his or her parents or teachers will find much to sympathize with here. Anyone who has wrestled with the conflict between Reason and Faith will find much to think about here. It is easy to see how many people have described reading Samuel Butler''s "The Way of All Flesh" as a turning point in their lives.

Erewhon: or, Over the Range is a novel by Samuel Butler which was first published anonymously in 1872,set in a fictional country discovered and explored by the protagonist. Butler meant the title to be understood as the word "nowhere" backwards even though the letters "h" and "w" are transposed. The book is a satire on Victorian society.The first few chapters of the novel dealing with the discovery of Erewhon are in fact based on Butler''s own experiences in New Zealand, where, as a young man, he worked as a sheep farmer on Mesopotamia Station for about four years (1860-64), and explored parts of the interior of the South Island and which he wrote about in his A First Year in Canterbury Settlement (1863).The novel is one of the first to explore ideas of artificial intelligence, as influenced by Darwin''s recently published On the Origin of Species (1859) and the machines developed out of the Industrial Revolution (late 18th to early 19th centuries). Specifically, it concerns itself, in the three-chapter "Book of the Machines", with the potentially dangerous ideas of machine consciousness and self-replicating machines.