Samuel Butler

Broschiertes Buch

Erewhon Revisited

Satire of Utopian Society and Critical Return to Civilization

Beschreibung

In Erewhon Revisited, Samuel Butler continues the story begun in his famous work Erewhon, offering a return both ironic and profound to the utopian society he imagined. The narrator, John Higgs, embarks on a new journey to Erewhon, a fictional land where the inhabitants have developed a unique culture and institutions, rejecting technology and embracing the absurd. This sequel explores the consequences of the first visit, revealing how the legend of the previous explorer has been integrated into local mythology, even becoming a religious cult. The narrative, driven by sharp social critique, portrays the flaws of a civilization that elevates its own myths and dogmas, while mocking human certainties about progress, religion, and reason. The author delights in inverting values and highlighting the absurdity of collective beliefs, offering a philosophical reflection on human nature and the limits of knowledge. The adventure, rich in twists, allows readers to observe the transformation of Erewhon, as well as the reaction of its inhabitants to an unexpected return. This novel, at the crossroads of satire, science fiction, and philosophy, questions the notion of civilization and the persistence of myths. It appeals both to fans of travel stories and to readers curious to explore alternative societies and reflect on the place of the individual in a world in perpetual search of meaning. Butlers style, both elegant and biting, makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in the critique of institutions and the deconstruction of received ideas.

Autor

Samuel Butler, a British writer born in 1835 and deceased in 1902, remains a major figure of Victorian literature, recognized for his critical spirit, humor, and intellectual daring. Coming from a well-to-do family, he quickly turned away from an ecclesiastical career to devote himself to writing, painting, and the exploration of new ideas. His work, often tinged with satire and philosophy, questions the foundations of society, religion, and progress. Butler is distinguished by a literary style that is both elegant and incisive, capable of deconstructing the dogmas of his time with biting irony. Erewhon and its sequel, Erewhon Revisited, testify to his fascination with utopian and dystopian societies, as well as his skepticism toward scientific and religious certainties. His original approach, blending travel narrative, social critique, and philosophical reflection, has influenced many authors of science fiction and satirical literature. Beyond his novels, Samuel Butler was interested in the theory of evolution, in the translation of Homer, and in painting, demonstrating an insatiable intellectual curiosity. His literary legacy endures today, both through the depth of his analyses and the modernity of his themes, making him a precursor of critical thought and an essential author for anyone interested in satire, utopian society, or modern philosophy.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: BoD - Books on Demand / Books on Demand GmbH
• 1. Auflage
• Seitenzahl: 320
• Erscheinungstermin: 5. September 2025
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 210mm x 148mm x 23mm
• Gewicht: 466g
• ISBN-13: 9782322570270
• ISBN-10: 2322570273
• Artikelnr.: 75403562