The Humour of Homer and Other Essays

Name: The Humour of Homer and Other Essays
Author: Samuel Butler

By Samuel Butler

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About This Book

This collection of essays by Samuel Butler ranges from literary criticism to art and scientific reflection. A central essay examines Homeric humour and advocates reading ancient epics as living human documents, linking that stance to an unconventional case about the Odyssey’s origin and authorship; other pieces include a biographical sketch, writings on art and sculpture in Italy and alpine valleys, and a set of essays titled The Deadlock in Darwinism that revisit his evolutionary arguments. The volume blends close-reading, personal observation, and polemic, and is accompanied by a portrait and an introductory life sketch of the author.

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.