Butler Books

It has been frequently observed that those who write history define it, and so it is with this wonderful novel which is, in large part, Butler's autobiography. Reviewers speak of it as having blown the lid off Victorian society; in fact, it is timeless, ruthlessly dissecting the behavior of several generations of an abusive family where the only rule is "Every man for himself." Those who grew up in that kind of family will find it truthful and insightful, those who grew up in happy families will be perplexed.

As some of the other reviews indicate, this is a book that is likely to offend conventional, especially fundamentalist, Christians. Butler's father was an ordained Anglican priest and he himself came close to being one (opting instead to run a sheep station in New Zealand for five years, an experience upon which he based "Erewhon"). Butler excoriates the hypocrisy and cant of that profession while questioning the Church's key doctrines.

If you can, purchase an edition with Theodore Dreiser's introduction.

Make no mistake, this is a great book. It is, with good reason, #12 on the Modern Library's list of the 100 Best Novels.

This book, really make you think about why you're hear. we are hear for a purpose and the only way we can find that purpose is through knowing what God's Plan is for us. A must read to find your purpose.

If you do not read or see any other Orton play, you should not pass on this one. I saw it in the local theater and they pretty much followed the script. I do not want to go into detail as the surprises; twists and dialog are what make the play. However this is a comedy similar to Oscar Wilde's style in the fact that it is a series of mismaners with unique situations and plot twists.

A little info:
The first London performance of "What the butler saw" was at the Queen's Theatre by Lewstein-Delfont Productions Ltd. And H.M. Tennent Ltd. On 5 Mar 1969.

Turner has searched out the documentary evidence of the life of servants in Britain. His book readily quotes sources without it interfering with the text and what remains is a highly entertaining and obviously well-researched book.

The life of servants is generally not well known. They were neither so literate that they would write about their lives, nor would their accounts generally be well-received.

Turner has made use of a variety of sources including pamphlets written by Daniel Defore and Swift, as well as the only 18th century account known to exist of a man-servant.

It is difficult to imagine, now, the clear class distincitions which were so entrenched in Britain of the 17th, 18th and 19th century - even into the twentieth century. Where the upper class knew their place, as did the servant classes. Turner ably describes the millieu in which the system of servant and servitude thrived. And also clearly and at times with high amusement, describes the pros and cons of it all.

It seems Man servants were better paid than their female counterparts, (well some things haven't changed!) despite females generally having to do more work and having to provide their own clothes. Amusingly, one of the great challenges of richer households was the footman - and having a matched set of them highly prized (all the same height etc) so if there were any problems in a household it was generally the female servant who would be asked to leave rather than breaking a 'set' of footmen.

The book is divided into various chapters including Male and Female branches with each role clearly examined, along with conditions of servitude, even 'black boys'. This book is a great resource for historians, or those keen on understanding the circumstances of employment of servants, who did it, how much and conditions - also the problems of hiring them.

This book was originally published in 1962 and this is a reprint. P G Wodehouse wrote highly of it - and you can't beat him as an author for his biting satire on the servant vs upper classes.

This is an incredible must read for any truth seeker of any historical discipline. Truly earth shaking!!!

A complex study of the esoterica in Yeats. Not for the average reader. But for those looking into the magic, it is a treasure. Melchoiori traces the sources of Yeats' poetic images, explains their meanings, and traces the mental process by which they came into being. "Magic is the key to Yeats's acceptation of the word 'symbolism' in painting or in poetry." Yeats connections to MacGregor Mathers and his work in A Vision are under discussion here. A book for lovers of both poetry and the occult.

You are what you grow. That is the message of this delightful volume about one woman with a horticultural vision that is a rare match in US lore. As told by Hellander, Eloise Butler brought a deep affinity for earth's pleasures to her work in studying plants, creating new gardens, and opening the world of plants and flowers to others through her writings. As a combination biography and gardening book, the reader finds new connections between the presonal and the petal. This is a great book for anyone with a love of gardening, of cultural anthropology, and of the curiousity to find out how a woman grows.

Some years ago I've read this book from Ms Butler. I was captivated by her amazing imagination and quality of her prose and became instantly a fan of the author. This first impression was corroborated as I read more of her writings.
Unfortunately for us, her fans, Ms. Butler has recently passed leaving the "Parable" trilogy unfinished and I'm sure many delightful stories unwritten.

She was a highly talented writer and won Sci-Fi Hugo and Nebula awards.
All her books showed a rich mixture of imagination, interesting multifaceted characters and conflictive situations to test their mettle.

"Wild Seed" is a complex story about Doro and Anyanwu, two extraordinary beings, their encounter and relationship expanding over three centuries.
I refuse to say Doro is a male, he may acquire any physical nature, so I think the character as a Self, and each reader may assign he/she/it any attribution. This trait only, is enough to arouse many questions and situations, other writers may stick only to the rich action line. Octavia didn't, she dig deep into each character, giving them soul and flesh, going into what they feel, their ethical (or unethical) considerations, their whole conception of life, their struggles for power and love.
All this blended in an inspired story full of action.

This is very commendable book for sci-fi buffs and general public too.
Reviewed by Max Yofre

Some years ago I've read this book from Ms Butler. I was captivated by her amazing imagination and quality of her prose and became instantly a fan of the author. This first impression was corroborated as I read more of her writings.
Unfortunately for us, her fans, Ms. Butler has recently passed leaving the "Parable" trilogy unfinished and I'm sure many delightful stories unwritten.

She was a highly talented writer and won Sci-Fi Hugo and Nebula awards.
All her books showed a rich mixture of imagination, multifaceted and interesting characters and conflictive situations to test their mettle.

"Wild Seed" is a complex story about Doro and Anyanwu, two extraordinary beings, their encounter and relationship expanding over three centuries.
I refuse to say Doro is a male, he may acquire any physical nature, so I think the character as a Self, and each reader may assign he/she/it any attribution. This trait only, is enough to arouse many questions and situations, other writers may stick only to the rich action line. Octavia didn't, she dig deep into each character, giving them soul and flesh, going into what they feel, their ethical (or unethical) considerations, their whole conception of life, their struggles for power and love.
All this blended in an inspired story full of action.

This is very commendable book for sci-fi buffs and general public too.
Reviewed by Max Yofre

If you're tired of relentlessly steamy bodice rippers andenjoy a multi-dimensional adventure and love story,you'll enjoy Wolf's Lady. Of course, you might fall in love with the dashing highwayman....