Erewhon
Samuel Butler
Nov 2022 · DigiCat
Ebook
221
Pages
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About this ebook
In "Erewhon," Samuel Butler crafts a satirical yet profound exploration of society and the intricacies of human nature through the lens of a fictional utopian land. The novel, first published in 1872, employs a unique structure blending narrative with philosophical discourse, mirroring Victorian anxieties about industrialization and moral philosophy. Butler's clever inversion of societal norms serves as a critique of contemporary Victorian values, with themes of evolution, religion, and the impact of technology intricately woven into the fabric of Erewhon, a society that rejects machinery in favor of a more organic existence. Samuel Butler, a polymath known for his writings on art, culture, and theology, drew wealth from his diverse experiences, including time spent in New Zealand and his study of evolution. His deep engagement with Darwinian thought, coupled with his disdain for conventional religious beliefs, led him to construct Erewhon as a means of exploring these complex themes. Butler's background as a writer, artist, and thinker positioned him uniquely to challenge the epistemological perspectives of his time and to envision a society radically different from his own. Readers who seek to understand the socio-political dynamics of the Victorian era or who are intrigued by the philosophical questions surrounding progress and morality will find "Erewhon" to be an invaluable addition to their literary exploration. Butler's incisive wit and innovative narrative style invite readers to question their own societal norms while contemplating the implications of technological advancement, making this work timeless and exceptionally relevant.
About the author
Samuel Butler, born on December 4, 1835, in Langar Rectory, Nottinghamshire, England, was a distinguished Victorian-era novelist, satirist, and critic. Better known for his satirical novel 'Erewhon' (1872), which stands as a landmark of the utopian genre, Butler laid the groundwork for future dystopian works. 'Erewhon' is a palindrome of 'nowhere,' providing a clever linguistic twist significant of Butler's renowned wit. The book offers a thought-provoking critique of Victorian society, exploring themes of religion, technology, and morality through a fictional civilization's customs and laws. Butler's keen eye dissected the hypocrisies of his day with sharp literary style, often employing irony and deadpan narrative modes that impacted both literature and philosophy. His concern with the evolution of machines, for instance, predicted the anxieties of modernity regarding artificial intelligence and technology. Although 'Erewhon' remains his most famous work, other significant contributions by Butler include a semi-autobiographical novel, 'The Way of All Flesh' (1903), published posthumously, which revealed his unorthodox views on Victorian morality and has since been recognized as a classic in its exploration of family life. In his lifetime, Butler also delved into art criticism, evolutionary thought, and translations of Homer. Samuel Butler's influence persisted into the 20th century as an iconoclast and intellectual force, bridging literature and philosophy with his often unappreciated humor and insight. He died on June 18, 1902, but his literary legacy endures, retaining relevance in discussions on human versus machine dichotomy, and societal norms.
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