SAMUEL
BATLER
Samuel Butler (1835–1902) was born in London to wealthy parents.
He studied at elite institutions and received a broad education, which allowed him to develop an expansive intellectual outlook. Over time, this contributed to a rather pessimistic view of the world.
Samuel Butler led an adventurous and varied life, engaging in a wide range of pursuits that reflect his restless intellect.
He was a lively, brilliant, yet deeply conservative thinker. He strongly supported Darwin’s theory of evolution, which became the foundation for his own social and political ideas. He traveled to New Zealand, Canada, and Italy.
He also translated The Iliad and The Odyssey, and wrote several novels. His most important work is Erewhon, published in this series.