Release date is 2003-11-01

The circuit-preacher -- The protest -- Retrenchment; or, what a man saved by stopping his newspaper -- Hunting up a testimonial -- Trying to be a gentleman -- Taking a prescription -- The Yankee and the Dutchman; or, I'll give or take -- A tipsy parson -- Much ado about nothing; or, the reason why Mrs. Todd didn't speak to Mrs. Jones -- Almost a tragedy -- That John Mason -- A new way to collect an old debt -- A shocking bad memory -- Driving a hard bargain -- Out of the frying-pan into the fire; or, the love of a house -- Marrying a count -- Job's comforters; or, the lady with the nerves -- The code of honour -- Treating a case actively.

Produced by Charles Aldarondo. HTML version by Al Haines.

"Off-Hand Sketches, a Little Dashed with Humor" by T. S. Arthur is a collection of narrative sketches written during the mid-19th century. This work presents a series of engaging and often humorous observations on various aspects of life and human nature, offering insightful commentary on social issues prevalent in that era. The opening of the book introduces us to the character of the Rev. Mr. Odell, a Methodist circuit-preacher assigned to a challenging circuit in a poor and indifferent area. As he embarks on his journey to meet his congregation, he navigates both the physical landscape and the social dynamics of the community. The description of his first attempts to establish rapport with his new parishioners paints a vivid picture of his struggles, including a lack of warmth from the church members and the challenges he faces as a newcomer. Despite these setbacks, Mr. Odell approaches his calling with earnestness and conviction, showcasing his dedication to his spiritual mission amid misunderstanding and initial coldness from the community. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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