Release date is 2006-04-09

Dreamthorp -- On the Writing of Essays -- Of Death and the Fear of Dying -- William Dunbar -- A Lark's Flight -- Christmas -- Men of Letters -- On the Importance of a Man to Himself -- A Shelf in My Bookcase -- Geoffrey Chaucer -- Books and Gardens -- On Vagabonds.

E-text prepared by Al Haines

"Dreamthorp: A Book of Essays Written in the Country" by Alexander Smith is a collection of reflective essays written in the early 20th century. The book offers a contemplative look at life in a quaint English village, as seen through the eyes of a thoughtful narrator who has chosen to make Dreamthorp his home. The text delves into themes of nature, community, mortality, and the passage of time, inviting readers to ponder the beauty and simplicity of rural life. The opening of the book introduces us to the narrator's deep affection for Dreamthorp, describing its serene landscape, the comforting rhythm of village life, and the poignant presence of history woven into its fabric. The narrator reflects on their journey to this place, revealing a preference for its unhurried atmosphere compared to other towns and villages. They describe vivid scenes weighted with nostalgia, observe the interplay between life and death, and express a profound connection to the natural world around them, leading to contemplations on love and existence. Through rich descriptions and meditative prose, the beginning sets the stage for a deeper exploration of life's simplicities and complexities that the essays will continue to unfold. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified