Samuel Butler
Samuel Butler was a Victorian-era English author who is best known for his satirical novel 'Erewhon' and his posthumously published novel 'The Way of All Flesh'. He was also a noted critic of religion and a painter.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Way of All Flesh
The novel follows the life of Ernest Pontifex, from his birth in the early 19th century until his middle age, and his struggle against the restrictive morality of Victorian England. Raised in a stiflingly oppressive household by his hypocritical clergyman father and submissive mother, Ernest eventually rebels against his upbringing, leading to his imprisonment for a minor crime. Upon his release, he rejects his past life and religious beliefs, eventually finding happiness and success as a writer. The novel provides a scathing satire of Victorian-era attitudes towards religion and family life.
The 450th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Erewhon
or, Over the Range
"Erewhon" is a satirical novel set in a fictional country discovered by the protagonist during his exploration. The society in this country is unusual, where illness is considered a crime, crime is treated as a disease, and machines are feared for their potential to evolve and overtake humanity. The book uses this bizarre world to critique various aspects of Victorian society, including religion, morality, and the industrial revolution.
The 728th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
