Erewhon Revisited Twenty Years Later, Both by the Original Discoverer of the Country and by His Son

Name: Erewhon Revisited Twenty Years Later, Both by the Original Discoverer of the Country and by His Son
Author: Samuel Butler

By Samuel Butler

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About This Book

A son presents his father’s account of returning to the remote country he once discovered and finding it transformed by the aftermath of a stranger’s dramatic balloon ascent with a local woman. The narrative traces how a single apparent miracle fostered a new religion—temples, priests, rites, sincere believers, and opportunistic exploiters—and considers the common patterns by which faiths form and stabilize. Interwoven reflections on the father’s earlier reception in England and on human credulity expand into a wider satirical examination of institutionalization, social customs, and the moral consequences of belief and reputation.

About the Author

Samuel Butler

Samuel Butler was an English novelist, essayist, and social critic, known for his satirical and thought-provoking works. His most famous novel, "Erewhon," published in 1872, presents a unique utopian society that challenges contemporary Victorian values and explores themes of evolution and morality. Butler's writings often reflect his interest in science and philosophy, as seen in his essays and critiques of Darwinism in "Evolution, Old & New." He also authored travel narratives, such as "Alps and Sanctuaries of Piedmont and the Canton Ticino," showcasing his keen observations of culture and landscape. Butler's literary contributions continue to resonate, marking him as a significant figure in 19th-century literature.