About
Samuel Butler was an English author known for his satirical utopian novel Erewhon (1872) and his posthumously published semi-autobiographical novel The Way of All Flesh (1903). He also wrote works on evolutionary theory, advocating a neo-Lamarckian view, and proposed a controversial theory about the authorship of the Odyssey. An accomplished painter and photographer, he exhibited at the Royal Academy. Born into an ecclesiastical family, he emigrated to New Zealand before returning to London, where he led an independent life.
* 1835-12-04 — † 1902-06-18
Major works
- Erewhon (1872)novel
- The Way of All Flesh (1903)novel
- Life and Habit (1878)essay
- The Authoress of the Odyssey (1897)essay
- The Iliad (1898)translation
Key milestones
- 1858Took a First in Classics at St John's College, Cambridge.
- 1859Emigrated to New Zealand and became a successful sheep farmer.
- 1902Died in London on 18 June.
Themes
social satirecritique of religionevolution and heredityVictorian hypocrisyidentity and gender
Sources: britannica.com · royalacademy.org.uk · tate.org.uk