Samuel Butler was a 19th-century English writer and critic, best known for his novel Erewhon, published in 1872. He was born on December 4, 1835, in Nottingham, England, and initially pursued a career in the church before turning to literature. Butler's works often explored themes of evolution and society, reflecting his interest in Charles Darwin's theories. In addition to fiction, Butler wrote essays and critiques, including his notable work, The Way of All Flesh, which was published posthumously in 1903. He was also an advocate for the idea of artificial intelligence, anticipating the implications of machines in society. Butler passed away on June 18, 1902.