author
Samuel Butler
1774–1839
A formidable schoolmaster, classical scholar, and later bishop, he helped shape the reputation of Shrewsbury School in the early 19th century. His life sits at an interesting crossroads of education, the church, and the world of English letters.
1 Audiobook
Atlas of ancient & classical geography
by Samuel Butler
About the author
Born in Kenilworth in 1774, he was educated at Rugby and St John's College, Cambridge, where he built a strong reputation as a classicist. He went on to become one of the most influential schoolmasters of his day.
He is best known as headmaster of Shrewsbury School, a post he held for many years, where he raised academic standards and gave the school a lasting scholarly reputation. Alongside his work in education, he published classical material and was recognized as a serious scholar.
Later in life he entered higher church office and became Bishop of Lichfield. He died in 1839, and is also remembered as the grandfather of the novelist Samuel Butler, author of Erewhon and The Way of All Flesh.