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Summary: Samuel Butler (Hawera and Normanby Star, 31 December 1919)
A significant biography of Samuel Butler, known for his work "Erewhon," has recently been published by Macmillan and Co., as reported by the London correspondent of the Otago Daily Times on 31 December 1919. This memoir, authored by Butler's close friend Henry Festing Jones, was eagerly anticipated after Butler's death in 1902. The biography delves into Butler's personal life and is characterized by meticulous research, making it of particular interest to New Zealand readers who admire Butler's contributions, especially considering his connection to Ashburton Fawkes, the setting for "Erewhon."
Jones's biography highlights Butler's experiences and challenges during his time in New Zealand, including his complicated relationship with his friend Charles Paine Pauli, who is described as Butler's worst enemy despite being his closest confidant. Pauli, who was charming and sociable but lacked financial stability and health, received significant support from Butler. After lending Pauli £100 to return to England in 1864, Butler promised him £200 a year for three years to help him pursue a career at the Bar. This arrangement led Butler into financial hardship as he shared his limited resources with Pauli, who remained unaware of Butler's circumstances and whereabouts.
Butler continued to provide for Pauli until his death in 1897, only to later discover through an obituary in The Times that Pauli had achieved considerable success and left behind a substantial estate that was far beyond Butler's understanding of his friend's situation. The biography's exploration of these themes sheds light on the complexities of friendship, support, and unreciprocated loyalty, rendering it a rich account of Butler's life and connections in New Zealand.
Through extensive contributions from notable figures such as W. H. Triggs and Miss Colborne-Veel, alongside the personal insights of Professor G. R. Sale, who once shared living quarters with Butler, the memoir stands as a comprehensive tribute to the author’s legacy. With its intimate portrayal and nuanced understanding of Butler’s life, this biography promises to engage readers with both its historical context and its emotional depth.
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