Erewhon; Or, Over the Range

"Erewhon; Or, Over the Range" by Samuel Butler is a satirical novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores the themes of society, morality, and the nature of civilization through the experiences of its narrator, who embarks on an adventurous journey into a mysterious land called Erewhon. As he encounters its peculiar inhabitants and their customs, the story offers a critical examination of contemporary Victorian society. The opening of the novel introduces the protagonist's backstory, outlining his decision to leave England in search of a new life, specifically in the domain of farming. He travels to a largely uninhabited colony where he finds an idyllic landscape but grapples with the realization that he has not achieved the fortune he hoped for. Butler's descriptive narrative highlights the protagonist's deep longing and curiosity about the land beyond the mountains. His initial encounters set the stage for his exploration of Erewhon, hinting at both the adventure and philosophical inquiries that will unfold as he delves deeper into this unknown territory. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Samuel Butler was an English novelist and critic, best known for the satirical utopian novel Erewhon (1872) and the semi-autobiographical novel The Way of All Flesh. Both novels have remained in print since their initial publication. In other studies he examined Christian orthodoxy, evolutionary thought, and Italian art, and made prose translations of the Iliad and Odyssey that are still consulted.