In 1859, Samuel Butler, a young Cantabrigian out of joint with his family, with the church, and with the times, left England to hew out his own path in New Zealand. At the end of just five years he returned, with a modest fortune in money and an immense fortune in ideas. For out of this self-imposed exile came Erewhon, one of the world's masterpieces of satire, which contained the germ of Butler's intellectual output for the next twenty years. The Cradle of Erewhon is an examination and interpretation of the special ways in which these few crucial years affected Butler's life and work, particularly Erewhon and Erewhon Revisited. It shows us Butler the sheep farmer, explorer, and mountain climber, as well as Butler the newcomer to "The Colonies," accepting—and accepted by—his intellectual peers in the unpioneerlike little city of Christchurch, sharpening and disciplining his mind through his controversial contributions to the Christchurch Press. But more importantly, the book suggests the depth to which New Zealand penetrated the man and reveals new facets of influence hitherto unnoticed in Erewhon and Erewhon Revisited. The Southern Alps ("Oh, Wonderful! Wonderful! so lonely and so solemn"), the perilous rivers and passes, the character and customs of the Maoris—all these blend to afford new insights into a complex book. Butler was not the first to create an imaginary world as asylum from the harsh realities of this one (Vergil did the same in the Eclogues), nor was he the first, even in his own time, to protest against the machine as the enslaver of man, but his became the clearest and the freshest voice. On the biographical side, The Cradle of Erewhon offers new evidence for reappraising the man who for so long has been a psychological and literary puzzle. Why, for instance, did he repudiate his first-born book, A First Year in Canterbury Settlement? And why, once safely away from the entanglements of London, did he voluntarily return to them? Answers to these and other Butlerian riddles are suggested in the engrossing account of the satirist's sojourn in the Antipodes.

Erewhon: or, Over the Range' is a novel by Samuel Butler which was first published anonymously in 1872. Erewhon is a fictional country in the story, which is discovered by the protagonist. Butler meant the title to be read as "nowhere" backwards even though the letters "h" and "w" are transposed, as it would have been pronounced in his day. The book is a satire on Victorian society.

The Ultimate SF Collection: 150 Classics is an unparalleled compilation that traverses the broad spectrum of science fiction, showcasing the rich diversity and profound depth of this genre. From the proto-science fiction elements of Mary Shelley's groundbreaking work to the complex social commentaries of H.G. Wells, and the pioneering space operas of E.E. Smith, this anthology celebrates the multifaceted nature of science fiction. It navigates through various literary styles, from adventure-laden narratives and speculative technological wonders to dystopian visions and philosophical explorations, offering readers a comprehensive journey through the evolution of the genre. Standout pieces include timeless classics that have become cornerstones of science fiction, reflective of the era's technological aspirations and societal fears. The contributing authors and editors, a constellation of literary luminaries, bring together an extraordinary range of perspectives, each infusing the collection with unique insights grounded in their distinct historical and cultural contexts. Authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells are credited with the genesis of speculative fiction, while pioneers like Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe introduced elements that would define the genre. This anthology not only highlights seminal works that contributed to the development of science fiction but also aligns with various literary movements, from Romanticism to Modernism, enriching the readers' understanding of its thematic diversity. The Ultimate SF Collection: 150 Classics offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the expansive universe of science fiction. It is an essential read for aficionados and newcomers alike, providing a broad compilation that celebrates the genre's ability to question the known and imagine the unknown. This anthology encourages readers to explore the depths of human imagination, the ethical dilemmas of science and technology, and the endless possibilities of alternative realities. It is an invitation to traverse time, space, and dimension through a literary lens, fostering a deeper appreciation of the genre's contribution to culture and society.

The 'Sci-Fi Ultimate Collection: 170+ Space Adventures, Dystopian Novels & Lost World Classics' stands as a testament to the vast and varied universe of science fiction, encapsulating the ingenuity and diversity of thought from the 19th to the early 20th centuries. This anthology spans a range of literary styles from the exploratory whims of Jules Verne to the dark, introspective narratives of H.P. Lovecraft, and the socio-political commentaries of H.G. Wells and George Orwell offering a broad view of the thematic concerns and stylistic evolutions within the genre. Notably, it includes landmark pieces that have defined and expanded the boundaries of speculative fiction, exploring themes of dystopia, utopia, cosmic horror, and science as both salvation and doom, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of the genre's development and its reflection of societal anxieties and aspirations. The contributing authors and editors, each distinguished by their own unique contributions to literature and thought, bring a rich tapestry of background, perspective, and cultural context to the anthology. From the pioneering speculative visions of Mary Shelley, whose 'Frankenstein' laid the groundwork for scientific fiction as a critical mirror to society, to the sophisticated social critiques embedded in the works of Aldous Huxley and Sinclair Lewis, the collection is a convergence of voices that have not only defined but also challenged their contemporary sociopolitical paradigms. By aligning with various historical, cultural, and literary movements, these authors collectively amplify the anthology's exploration of human nature, progress, and the infinitely expanding boundaries of the unknown. 'Readers seeking not just entertainment but also a deep cultural and philosophical engagement with science fiction as a genre will find the 'Sci-Fi Ultimate Collection' an invaluable resource. This anthology affords a unique opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of speculative fiction through the eyes of its most iconic figures. It invites readers to traverse time and space, to challenge their preconceptions, and to engage in a dialogue with the past, understanding how past generations envisioned the future. For anyone interested in the evolution of science fiction and its role in critiquing, reflecting, and shaping societal views, this collection is an indispensable compendium, illuminating the myriad ways in which the genre has captivated the human imagination.

DigiCat presents to you this meticulously edited and formatted SF collection, jam-packed with the dystopian worlds, intergalactic action-adventures, and the greatest Sci-Fi classics: E. M. Forster: The Machine Stops Richard Jefferies: After London Richard Stockham: Perchance to Dream Irving E. Cox: The Guardians Philip F. Nowlan: Armageddon–2419 A.D... George Griffith: The Angel of the Revolution... Percy Greg: Across the Zodiac David Lindsay: A Voyage to Arcturus Edward E. Hale: The Brick Moon Stanley G. Weinbaum: A Martian Odyssey... Abraham Merritt The Moon Pool... Edgar Wallace: The Green Rust... H. Beam Piper: Terro-Human Future History... Garrett P. Serviss: The Sky Pirate... Philip K. Dick: Second Variety... Jules Verne: Journey to the Center of the Earth H. G. Wells: The Time Machine Edgar Allan Poe: A Descent into the Maelstrom... Mary Shelley: Frankenstein... Edwin A. Abbott: Flatland Jack London: Iron Heel... R. L. Stevenson: Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde George MacDonald: Lilith H. Rider Haggard: King Solomon's Mines She William H. Hodgson: The Night Land... Edward Bellamy: Looking Backward... Mark Twain: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court Arthur Conan Doyle: The Lost World... Edgar Rice Burroughs Pellucidar Series Caspak Series Francis Bacon: New Atlantis C. J. Cutcliffe Hyne: The Lost Continent Margaret Cavendish: The Blazing World Jonathan Swift: Gulliver's Travels William Morris: News from Nowhere Samuel Butler: Erewhon Edward Bulwer-Lytton: The Coming Race James F. Cooper: The Monikins Charlotte P. Gilman: Herland Ayn Rand: Anthem Owen Gregory: Meccania the Super-State Hugh Benson: Lord of the World Fred M. White: The Doom of London Ignatius Donnelly: Caesar's Column Ernest Bramah: The Secret of the League Milo Hastings: City of Endless Night Arthur D. Vinton: Looking Further Backward Robert Cromie: The Crack of Doom Gertrude Bennett: The Heads of Cerberus E. E. Smith: Triplanetary... Murray Leinster: Murder Madness... Fritz Leiber: The Big Time... Andre Norton: The Time Traders... Pursuit A Traveler in Time Gulliver of Mars A Journey in Other Worlds...

This meticulously edited Sci-Fi box set is packed with the selected dystopian novels & the post-apocalyptic classics. The ebook is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents: Ayn Rand: Anthem Jack London: Iron Heel H. G. Wells: The Time Machine The First Men in the Moon When The Sleeper Wakes Edward Bulwer-Lytton: The Coming Race Hugh Benson: Lord of the World Edward Bellamy: Looking Backward: 2000–1887 Equality Mary Shelley: The Last Man Edgar Allan Poe: The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion Owen Gregory: Meccania the Super-State Jonathan Swift Gulliver's Travels William Hope Hodgson: The Night Land Fred M. White: The Doom of London Series The Four White Days The Four Days' Night The Dust of Death A Bubble Burst The Invisible Force The River of Death Ignatius Donnelly: Caesar's Column Ernest Bramah: The Secret of the League (aka What Might Have Been) Milo Hastings: City of Endless Night Arthur Dudley Vinton: Looking Further Backward Gertrude Barrows Bennett (aka Francis Stevens): The Heads of Cerberus E. M. Forster: The Machine Stops Richard Jefferies: After London Samuel Butler: Erewhon Edwin A. Abbott: Flatland Anthony Trollope: The Fixed Period Fritz Leiber: The Night of the Long Knives Richard Stockham: Perchance to Dream Irving E. Cox: The Guardians Cleveland Moffett: The Conquest of America Richard Jefferies: After London William Dean Howells: A Traveler from Altruria Through the Eye of the Needle Philip Francis Nowlan: Armageddon–2419 A.D. The Airlords of Han (Sequel) Anonymous: The Great Romance Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain: Sultana's Dream George Griffith: The Angel of the Revolution The Syren of the Skies (Sequel)