Erewhon by Samuel Butler (1872)

Name: Erewhon
Author: Samuel Butler

Erewhon presents a traveler’s encounter with a bizarre society where illness is deemed a crime and moral shortcomings are met with empathy, resulting in a justice system filled with absurdities. This exploration of societal norms challenges conventional views on health and morality, revealing the perplexing beliefs of the Erewhonians.

By Samuel Butler · First published 1872 · Genre: Satire, Philosophical Fiction, Science Fiction · 29 chapters · 90,991 words

First lines

If the reader will excuse me, I will say nothing of my antecedents, nor of the circumstances which led me to leave my native country; the narrative would be tedious to him and painful to myself. Suffice it, that when I left home it was with the intention of going to some new colony, and either finding, or even perhaps purchasing, waste crown land suitable for cattle or sheep farming, by which means I thought that I could better my fortunes more rapidly than in England.

It will be seen that I did not succeed in my design, and that however much I may have met with that was new and strange, I have been unable to reap any pecuniary advantage.

What this Textopian page supports

Erewhon is listed on Textopian as a novel by Samuel Butler, dated 1872 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Samuel Butler
Date: 1872 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Philosophical Fiction, Science Fiction, Utopian Literature, Adventure
Length: 90,991 words
Structure: 29 chapters, 607 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The book critiques Victorian society and its norms through humor and irony.
Philosophical Fiction — It explores deep philosophical questions about morality, evolution, and the nature of society.
Science Fiction — The narrative includes speculative elements about a fictional society and its unique customs.
Utopian Literature — The book presents an imagined ideal society, examining its implications and flaws.