Showing results for "Nature and Life" in Literature & Fiction

For the Term of his Natural Life, written by Marcus Clarke, was published in the Australian Journal between 1870 and 1872 (as His Natural Life), appearing as a novel in 1874. It is the best known novelisation of life as a convict in early Australian history. Described as a "ripping yarn", and at times relying on seemingly implausible coincidences, the story follows the fortunes of Rufus Dawes, a young man transported for a murder which he did not commit. The harsh and inhumane treatment meted out to the convicts, some of whom were transported for relatively minor crimes, is clearly conveyed. ...

Yuki Hirano is just out of high school when his parents enroll him, against his will, in a forestry training program in the remote mountain village of Kamusari. No phone, no internet, no shopping. Just a small, inviting community where the most common expression is “take it easy.” At first, Yuki is exhausted, fumbles with the tools, asks silly questions, and feels like an outcast. Kamusari is the last place a city boy from Yokohama wants to spend a year of his life. But as resistant as he might be, the scent of the cedars and the staggering beauty of the region have a pull.

A place to discuss poetry, verses, or anything that inspires you to pen down something. In this podcast I mainly discuss poetry, my lines/ poems from my debut book "Voice - Bouquet of Feelings" and I also invite any fellow poets, if they are interested to join me in discussing my book, their book, or poetry in general. Let's talk about #poetry #ponderdeep #versesforyou #spokenwordpoetry #poeytryplaylist #poeticmind #poetrylines #poetryforyou #cofeeconversationandpoetry #delvedeepintoimagination #poetryponderings #poetrynme #poetrynyou #enjoypoems #poetic #randomdiscussions #poeticdiscussions

Beloved naturalist and author Gerald Durrell introduces an eccentric cast of characters in this entertaining collection of stories, first published in 1991. Which of these stories is true and which is semi-true I have, of course, not the slightest intention of telling you, but I hope this will...

Noted transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau spent two years, two months, and two days chronicling his near-isolation in the small cabin he built in the woods near Walden Pond on land owned by his mentor, the father of Transcendentalism, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Immersing himself in nature and solitude, Thoreau sought to develop a greater understanding of society amidst a life of self-reliance and simplicity. Originally published in 1854, Walden remains one of the most celebrated works in American literature.

A curated compendium of poetry and prose from the award-winning poet Mary Oliver, including the book-length masterpiece The Leaf and the Cloud, the collection What Do We Know, andessays from Long Life—with a foreword by fellow Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Postcolonial Love Poem Natalie...

The words in this essay on positive thought sing like those in Whitman's "Leaves of Grass." The author praises joyous living and recommends certain routes to its attainment. He explores schooling (public secondary and the university), travel, and the study of nature as ways to stay buoyant during life's trials. He also praises the power of the arts (literature, music, painting, sculpture) to keep spirits soaring. (Summary by Bill Boerst)

John Greenleaf Whittier was an influential American Quaker poet and ardent advocate of the abolition of slavery in the United States. He is usually listed as one of the Fireside Poets. Whittier was strongly influenced by the Scottish poet Robert Burns. In this book, John Whittier elaborates the Conflict With Slavery, Politics and Reform.

Dive into the fascinating world of natures wonders as the author explores the extraordinary oddities of the animal kingdom. From the whimsical bookworm to the majestic rhinoceros, and from the industrious mole to the mythical unicorn, this collection of chapters unveils the captivating stories of these remarkable creatures. (Summary by mleigh)

Hamlet is Jeremy’s dog. This 1923 book is Hugh Walpole’s second volume in his Jeremy semi-autobiographical trilogy (Jeremy (1919 available at librivox.org), Jeremy at Crale (1927, available at fadedpage.org)), about a ten-year-old English boy. One commentator wrote this of the first book: “With affectionate humor, Mr. Walpole tells the story of Jeremy and his two sisters, Helen and Mary Cole, who grow up in Polchester, a quiet English Cathedral town…. Mr. Walpole has given his narrative a rare double appeal, for it not only recreates for the adult the illusion of his own happiest youth...

This book, which presents the whole splendid history of English literature from Anglo-Saxon times to the close of the Victorian Era, has three specific aims. The first is to create or to encourage in every student the desire to read the best books, and to know literature itself rather than what has been written about literature. The second is to interpret literature both personally and historically, that is, to show how a great book generally reflects not only the author's life and thought but also the spirit of the age and the ideals of the nation's history. The third aim is to show, by a ...

Sneyd-Kinnersley was an Inspector of Schools in a period when regulations were rapidly changing and access to free public education was expanding widely. He fell into the job accidentally and shares anecdotes of his years traveling around the country. - Summary by LynneT

This is Volume 5 in the series of Parallel Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans. It includes biographies of famous men and explores their common moral virtues or failings. Plutarch writings explore the influence of character whether this be good or bad on the lives and destinies of the famous men. Volume 5 presents the comparison of the lives of Agesilaus and Pompey, and Pelopidas and Marcellus. Volumes 1 - 4 and 7 are already in the catalogue see the links below. (Summary by Michele Eaton) Books in this series: Volume 1 Volume 2 Volume 3 Volume 4 Volume 5 Volume 6 to come Volume 7 Volume 8 to...

An English translation of Pierre Loti's charming 19th century memoir of his cats. - Summary by S Caulkins

Jean-Henri Casimir Fabre was a French entomologist and author. He was born in St. Léons in Aveyron, France. Fabre was largely an autodidact, owing to the poverty of his family. Nevertheless, he acquired a primary teaching certificate at the young age of 19 and began teaching at the college of Ajaccio, Corsica, called Carpentras. In 1852, he taught at the lycée in Avignon. (Summary from Wikipedia)

Vance Rudolph's informative work about butterflies includes a summary of current (for publication) butterfly literature, butterfly body structure, life cycle, and egg laying process, as well as their classification and survival strategies. - Summary by Tatiana Chichilla

This is the life story of a Black Bear in the western US, as told by the bear himself. He tells of the days when humans began to invade the territory where they and their ancestors had been kings for many eons. - Summary by philip chenevert

Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson is widely considered to be the greatest English-language biography ever written. It was revolutionary in its efforts to represent Johnson as he was, celebrating his flaws as well as his genius, and in Boswell's decision to represent Johnson primarily by quoting his writings and relating personal anecdotes rather than relying on matters of public record. From the time of its publication till now, The Life of Johnson has been one of the most popular and influential books ever written. (Summary by Kirsten Ferreri.) N.B. This recording does not include the Preface,...

Catherine Vernon has a firm hand on her family and on the family business. Her plans for her young protege Edward, whom she loves like a son, are disturbed by the arrival of Hester, a 14-year-old girl who is just as strong willed. The conflict between Catherine and Hester is resolved through their mutual love for Edward. On one level a love story, Hester is unusual for its time in its portrayal of women in business. - Summary by Anne Erickson

William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898), four times Prime Minister of Great Britain, dominated the Liberal Party for thirty years, but ultimately divided it over the issue of Irish Home Rule, which he unsuccessfully championed. He brought to parliamentary politics a moral fervor which made him the personification of the Victorian Age, but which also challenged the complacency of its imperialistic assumptions. In this 1897 biography, the Liberal Irish member of Parliament, Justin McCarthy, presents a Gladstone still vividly remembered, rising to speak in the House of Commons among a host of ...