Samuel Butler 
The Atlas of Ancient and Classical Geography 

Samuel Butler’s ‘The Atlas of Ancient and Classical Geography’ is a meticulously detailed and comprehensive work that delves into the geographical knowledge of ancient civilizations. Through detailed maps and thorough descriptions, Butler provides readers with a vivid picture of the landscapes, cities, and cultures of the ancient world. Written in a clear and concise style, this book serves as an invaluable resource for those interested in ancient history and geography, offering a glimpse into the world as it was known to the Greeks and Romans. The book also explores how the understanding of geography influenced the development of these ancient civilizations, shedding light on the interconnectedness of culture, geography, and history.

About the author

Samuel Butler (1835–1902) was a versatile English author, whose intellectual curiosity led him to explore various literary forms and genres in the 19th century. Although sometimes confused with his 17th-century namesake, the satirist who penned ‘Hudibras, ‘ this Butler is perhaps best known for his satirical utopian novel ‘Erewhon’ and the semi-autobiographical ‘The Way of All Flesh.’ He was a man of wide-ranging interests as evidenced in ‘The Atlas of Ancient and Classical Geography’ (1907), which provided a comprehensive view of the lands known to the ancients, merging his enthusiasm for classical studies and his keen eye for detail. This work reflects Butler’s scrupulous approach to literature and scholarship alike, offering valuable insight into the ancient world. Butler’s literary style often combined a sharp wit with a critical eye, keen to question orthodoxies and traditional social mores. His writings frequently mirrored the cutting-edge thought of his time, questioning the established narratives and seeking to understand human behavior and institutions in the context of evolution, long before such ideas were widely accepted. His contributions to the landscape of English literature continue to be appreciated for their foresightedness and intellectual vigor.