Abstract:

Samuel Butler wrote an appreciative early review of Darwin's 'Origin of Species', entitled 'Darwin Among the Machines', before writing the early dystopian science fiction novel 'Erewhon' and a major Victorian novel of education, 'The Way of All Flesh'. He also published four of his own books on evolution. Dr Elinor Shaffer, who has just finished co-editing the third of the three-volume 'The Reception of Charles Darwin in Europe', discusses how European responses to Darwin have shed new light on the works of Samuel Butler.



Listeners should please note that the live talk was accompanied by a slideshow of images, which may be referred to during the recording. If you have any queries or would like further information, please contact St John's College Library on 01223 339362. The talk is introduced by Rebecca Watts, Butler Project Associate at St John's College Library.

