Seventy Years Among Savages by Henry S. Salt

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Seventy Years Among Savages by Henry S. Salt

(8 User reviews) 1260

By Sophie Smith Posted on Mar 18, 2026

In Category - World Cuisine

Authors: Salt, Henry S., 1851-1939 Published By : Salt, Henry S., 1851-1939

Book Language: English

Okay, hear me out. I just finished this wild book from 1921 called 'Seventy Years Among Savages,' and it's not at all what you'd expect from the title. The 'savages' the author, Henry Salt, is talking about? Us. Humanity. He spent his life as a vegetarian, socialist, and animal rights activist in Victorian England, and this is his hilarious, biting memoir about what it was like to be a gentle, compassionate person in what he saw as a brutal, bloodthirsty society. It's like a time-traveler's diary from someone who landed in the wrong century. The main conflict is between his peaceful ideals and the everyday cruelty he witnessed, from fox hunting to class injustice. It's surprisingly funny, deeply earnest, and will make you look at our own world a little differently. Think of it as a century-old call to be kinder, wrapped in sharp British wit.

File: Seventy Years Among Savages by Henry S. Salt

Henry S. Salt was a man out of time. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, when empire, industry, and meat were seen as signs of progress, Salt championed kindness to animals, simple living, and social justice. 'Seventy Years Among Savages' is his look back on a life spent as a radical.

The Story

This isn't a novel with a plot, but the story of a perspective. Salt walks us through his journey from a traditional English education to becoming a founding voice for animal rights and ethical socialism. He shares anecdotes about befriending literary figures like George Bernard Shaw, his battles to get vegetarian meals served anywhere, and his constant bewilderment at societal norms. The 'savages' are his fellow countrymen, whose accepted practices—like hunting for sport or ignoring poverty—he viewed as primitive. The book is a collection of his observations, arguments, and personal triumphs and frustrations in trying to live a principled life.

Why You Should Read It

First, Salt is wickedly funny. His dry, polite sarcasm when describing the contradictions of 'civilized' society is a joy. More importantly, his core ideas feel incredibly modern. Reading his critiques of factory farming, environmental destruction, and hollow consumerism is chilling because he was writing over a hundred years ago. It’s a powerful reminder that these conversations aren't new. His voice isn't preachy; it's the weary, hopeful voice of a man who just couldn't understand why being cruel was so normal. It makes you question what 'normal' things we do today that future generations might see as savage.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone interested in the roots of modern activism, animal rights, or sustainable living. History buffs will love the firsthand peek into Victorian reform movements. It's also great for readers who enjoy a strong, unique voice—Salt's personality leaps off the page. If you've ever felt out of step with the world, you'll find a kindred spirit in Henry Salt. Just be ready for his arguments to stick with you long after you close the book.