Cambridge Pieces By: Samuel Butler (1835-1902)
Cambridge Pieces by Samuel Butler is a captivating collection of essays that provides readers with an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of various topics. Throughout the book, Butler tackles subjects such as education, literature, art, and philosophy with his characteristic wit and intellect. One of the standout features of Cambridge Pieces is Butler's ability to combine profound observations with a light-hearted tone, making the essays a delight to read. His writing style effortlessly transitions from laborious and erudite discussions to humorous anecdotes, showing his versatility as a writer. One of the most compelling aspects of this collection is Butler's critique of the education system. By drawing on personal experiences from his time at Cambridge University, he exposes the shortcomings of traditional education and advocates for a more practical and intellectually stimulating approach. His arguments are convincing and challenge long-held beliefs, making readers question the status quo. Moreover, Butler displays an impressive breadth of knowledge in his analysis of literature and art. He delves into the works of renowned authors and artists, providing nuanced interpretations and shedding light on their significance. His interpretations are often unconventional, making readers re-evaluate familiar texts and artworks from new perspectives. What truly sets Cambridge Pieces apart is Butler's insightful commentary on philosophical concepts. He effortlessly navigates complex ideas, making them accessible to readers while maintaining the depth and profundity of the subject matter. His analyses leave readers pondering existential questions and grappling with the complexities of human existence. However, while Cambridge Pieces is undoubtedly a remarkable collection, some readers may find certain sections to be excessively academic and dense. Butler's erudition can be intimidating at times, and readers without a background in philosophy or literature may struggle to fully grasp some of his arguments. In conclusion, Cambridge Pieces by Samuel Butler is a masterful collection of essays that offers a refreshing and intellectual exploration of a wide range of topics. Butler's wit, depth of knowledge, and ability to challenge conventional thinking make this book a valuable addition to any reader's collection. First Page: This etext was produced from the 1914 A. C. Fifield edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk SAMUEL BUTLER'S CAMBRIDGE PIECES by Samuel Butler Contents: On English Composition and Other Matters Our Tour Translation from an Unpublished Work of Herodotus The shield of Achilles, with variations Prospectus of the Great Split Society Powers A skit on examinations An Eminent Person Napoleon at St. Helena THE TWO DEANS The Battle of Alma Mater On the Italian Priesthood Samuel Butler and the Simeonites ON ENGLISH COMPOSITION AND OTHER MATTERS This essay is believed to be the first composition by Samuel Butler that appeared in print. It was published in the first number of the EAGLE, a magazine written and edited by members of St. John's College, Cambridge, in the Lent Term, 1858, when Butler was in his fourth and last year of residence. [From the Eagle, Vol. 1, No. 1, Lent Term, 1858, p. 41.] I sit down scarcely knowing how to grasp my own meaning, and give it a tangible shape in words; and yet it is concerning this very expression of our thoughts in words that I wish to speak. As I muse things fall more into their proper places, and, little fit for the task as my confession pronounces me to be, I will try to make clear that which is in my mind... Continue reading book >>

Cambridge Pieces By: Samuel Butler (1835-1902)

Cambridge Pieces by Samuel Butler is a captivating collection of essays that provides readers with an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of various topics. Throughout the book, Butler tackles subjects such as education, literature, art, and philosophy with his characteristic wit and intellect.

One of the standout features of Cambridge Pieces is Butler's ability to combine profound observations with a light-hearted tone, making the essays a delight to read. His writing style effortlessly transitions from laborious and erudite discussions to humorous anecdotes, showing his versatility as a writer.

One of the most compelling aspects of this collection is Butler's critique of the education system. By drawing on personal experiences from his time at Cambridge University, he exposes the shortcomings of traditional education and advocates for a more practical and intellectually stimulating approach. His arguments are convincing and challenge long-held beliefs, making readers question the status quo.

Moreover, Butler displays an impressive breadth of knowledge in his analysis of literature and art. He delves into the works of renowned authors and artists, providing nuanced interpretations and shedding light on their significance. His interpretations are often unconventional, making readers re-evaluate familiar texts and artworks from new perspectives.

What truly sets Cambridge Pieces apart is Butler's insightful commentary on philosophical concepts. He effortlessly navigates complex ideas, making them accessible to readers while maintaining the depth and profundity of the subject matter. His analyses leave readers pondering existential questions and grappling with the complexities of human existence.

However, while Cambridge Pieces is undoubtedly a remarkable collection, some readers may find certain sections to be excessively academic and dense. Butler's erudition can be intimidating at times, and readers without a background in philosophy or literature may struggle to fully grasp some of his arguments.

In conclusion, Cambridge Pieces by Samuel Butler is a masterful collection of essays that offers a refreshing and intellectual exploration of a wide range of topics. Butler's wit, depth of knowledge, and ability to challenge conventional thinking make this book a valuable addition to any reader's collection.

First Page:

This etext was produced from the 1914 A. C. Fifield edition by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk

SAMUEL BUTLER'S CAMBRIDGE PIECES

by Samuel Butler

Contents: On English Composition and Other Matters Our Tour Translation from an Unpublished Work of Herodotus The shield of Achilles, with variations Prospectus of the Great Split Society Powers A skit on examinations An Eminent Person Napoleon at St. Helena THE TWO DEANS The Battle of Alma Mater On the Italian Priesthood Samuel Butler and the Simeonites

ON ENGLISH COMPOSITION AND OTHER MATTERS

This essay is believed to be the first composition by Samuel Butler that appeared in print. It was published in the first number of the EAGLE, a magazine written and edited by members of St. John's College, Cambridge, in the Lent Term, 1858, when Butler was in his fourth and last year of residence.

[From the Eagle, Vol. 1, No. 1, Lent Term, 1858, p. 41.]

I sit down scarcely knowing how to grasp my own meaning, and give it a tangible shape in words; and yet it is concerning this very expression of our thoughts in words that I wish to speak. As I muse things fall more into their proper places, and, little fit for the task as my confession pronounces me to be, I will try to make clear that which is in my mind... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Essay/Short nonfiction
Literature

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