What I truly loved about these essays - and I read most but not all of them - was the remarkable ease with which White transitions from one idea to a story and then back to another idea, and so forth. It's what my friend Dana referred to as "the drift" of his prose.

There are incredibly smart and elegant meditations on life and death, which are filtered through E.B.'s experiences on his hobby farm. There are also interesting tales of his adventures when he was a younger man. Moreover, there are a number of essays written in the fifties and sixties that deal with the topic of racial segregation.

As I read those essays, it dawned on me that although I had read a great deal of history and seen many films about the 60s, I had never come across such thoughtful and artful meditations on this subject written by people who were contemporary to the struggle. I'm truly glad that I read this collection of essays. It has provided me with a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the times and the issues that were prevalent then.

Ok, wow. There are so many observations in this collection, and it's truly remarkable that some of them, made as long as eight decades ago, are still highly relevant today.

The very first observation, which is about how 'stuff' accumulates over time, is just gorgeous. When one attempts to move to a new home, one has to take the time to review one's entire life. This is beautifully described in "Good-Bye to Forty-Eighth Street".

The whole first section, which focuses on farming, is an absolute must-read for fans of Michael Perry. His tale of the trip to Alaska as a callow youth in the early 20s is truly memorable.

There are some references to current events and notable figures who are no longer widely known, but these are minimal. What's more interesting are the current events that are still relevant today, such as urban sprawl and pollution. Included in this collection is the staple of Freshman English, "Once More to the Lake".

From "Unity", White makes a very profound point. He says that we cannot conceivably achieve peace merely by relaxing the tensions of sovereign nations. There is an unending supply of tensions, and even if we were to relax every last one of them tonight, we could wake up tomorrow morning with all the makings of war and all the familiar promise of trouble. He then goes on to explain very carefully why 'disarmament' is not a solution. This is all very interesting and thought-provoking.

It's truly fascinating how E.B. White was able to write so well on such a wide variety of different subjects. From experiencing a hurricane to reminiscing about The St. Nicholas League, from writing a tribute to Don Marquis to providing political commentary as seen above.

After reading this collection, I now have a strong desire to investigate "Thoughts Without Words" by Clarence Day Jr. and the works of Finley Peter Dunne.

I purchased the book in 1977, when it first came out.

At that time, I loaned it to my mother to read. Since then, I've carried it around with me over the eastern half of the U.S., always having the intention to read it.

Of course, I've read "Once More to the Lake," one of the essays, many times. I started reading it during my freshman year in college and then later when I taught freshman writing courses myself.

The book is a deep wine red hardback. It is cloth covered with sewn and cut pages, and there is fine gold lettering on the spine. All of this is in keeping with the fine quality of a master essayist.

I confess that when I was younger, I didn't understand White. I didn't see the purpose of what he had to say, and his humor went over my head. Now that I am nearing three score and ten, it's a completely different story. I have a newfound appreciation for his work and can see the depth and beauty in his words.

I look forward to finally sitting down and reading the entire book cover to cover, and I'm sure it will be a rewarding experience.

These essays are truly outstanding.

They are fresh, presenting ideas in a novel and engaging way. The clarity of expression makes them easy to understand, while the gracefulness of the writing adds a touch of elegance.

Their wit brings a smile to the reader's face and keeps them entertained throughout. Moreover, they are thought-provoking, making the reader reflect on various aspects of life.

Often, they are even prescient, anticipating future trends and developments.

I had only previously read White's children's books and some snippets of his work from New Yorker. However, after reading these essays, I realize that I need to explore his works more deeply.

Does anyone know a good biography of White that could provide more insights into his life and the inspiration behind his writing?

I'm eager to learn more about this remarkable author.

I was completely unfamiliar with White prior to reading this work. Little did I know that this was the very White from the highly regarded Strunk and White's, the almost sacred-for-writing, "Elements of Style". By the end of the reading, I was pleasantly surprised by the sense of kinship I felt with the author.

This is an extensive work that encompasses a wide range of topics. It delves into American politics, the experiences of a quasi-farmer, a journey to Alaska, the process of moving, a raccoon living in a tree next to the house, and a plethora of other equally diverse subjects. It also includes his famous "This is New York" essay. Interestingly, this was among my least favorite pieces, which I believe speaks volumes about White's overall quality in essay-writing. After all, even in a collection of excellent works, there can be some that don't resonate as strongly with every reader. Finally, it comes as no surprise that someone I first knew as a renowned contributor to the English Language would offer up such delicious prose throughout the entire work.

If you are in search of engaging essays, this is an easy recommendation. The various quotes from the work also add to its allure. For instance, "I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit nature, and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority." This quote beautifully encapsulates White's perspective on the relationship between man and nature. Another thought-provoking quote is, "The President says prayer is a part of democracy. The implication in such a pronouncement, emanating from the seat of government, is that religious faith is a condition or even a pre-condition of the democratic life. This is just wrong...I don't think a President should advertise prayer. Democracy, if I understand it at all, is a society where the unbeliever feels safe and unbothered at home. If there were only a dozen unbelievers in America, their well-being would be a test of our democracy, their tranquility would be its proof." This quote challenges the commonly held view about the role of religion in a democratic society. Additionally, "Creation is, in part, merely the business of foregoing the great and small distractions." This simple yet profound statement offers an interesting take on the creative process. And finally, "I note that one of the arguments in the recent manifesto of Southern congressman in support of the doctrine of separate but equal was that it had been founded on 'common sense'. The sense that is common to one generation is uncommon to the next." This quote highlights the changing nature of what is considered "common sense" over time.

In conclusion, this collection of essays by White is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring a wide range of topics through the lens of a talented writer.

E.B. White was part of a unique group. He was born early enough to have owned a Model T Ford and lived long enough to witness the arrival of the personal computer.

It's no wonder that his essays bring to life a society in rapid transformation, a society with which White wasn't always in harmony. He extols the unchanging natural world and mourns the passing of wood stoves, the Model T Ford, and rail travel. However, he can't be called a curmudgeon. He's not grouchy; rather, he's wisely skeptical that the next kitchen gadget or peace treaty will truly solve all our problems.

His essays aren't all doom and gloom. There's a great deal that is funny or delightful. There are descriptions of baby raccoons and mating geese, strange bird-watchers, hysterical hurricane reporting, youthful dating misadventures, a sea voyage to Siberia via Alaska, and unexpectedly metaphysical musings on a rehearsal by a young circus performer. White is renowned as a master prose stylist, and he writes equally well about this diverse range of topics. This is especially true when he takes risks and attempts to "describe the indescribable," as in the case of the circus rider.

As he writes, "Everything in her movements, her expression, told you that for her the ring of time was perfectly formed, changeless, predictable, without beginning or end, like the ring in which she was traveling at this moment with the horse that wallowed under her."

What could possibly be better than an essay by E.B. White? An entire collection of essays, that's what.

I read them in a rather random order, taking just ten minutes at a time to savor each one and make the book last longer. It was simply the best.

My absolute favorite was his essay on tending a dying pig. From this experience, he was inspired to write the classic "Charlotte's Web".

The clarity of his prose is truly astonishing. It is not only an inspiration but also a total pleasure to read.

His words flow so smoothly, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. Each sentence is carefully crafted, and the overall effect is one of pure literary genius.

E.B. White's essays are a treasure trove of wisdom, humor, and beautiful writing. I can't recommend them highly enough.

Some of these essays are truly five-star worthy. They are not only timeless but also exude an air of elegance.

However, others didn't quite hold my interest to the same extent. This was mostly due to the topic itself.

White's zest for life and all things living is simply beautiful. It shines through his words and makes the reader feel a connection to the world around them.

I was pleasantly surprised at his humor and absolutely loved his wit. His ability to find the funny and the clever in the simplest of things is truly remarkable.

I definitely found a kindred spirit in White. His musings have made me think deeply and I will surely ponder them for a long time to come.

Overall, this collection of essays is a wonderful read and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and enjoyable book.

E. B. White indeed demonstrates that he has a rightful place in the esteemed group of great American writers, side by side with Mark Twain and his idol, Thoreau.

Although a few of the essays in this collection may seem a bit outdated in the present context, each one still showcases White's distinct writing style and his ability to think clearly.

Personally, I found his essays about farm life to be particularly enjoyable. They offer a vivid and engaging portrayal of the rural way of life, filled with interesting anecdotes and keen observations.

For anyone who is seeking a model of clear and effective writing, E. B. White's work is an excellent choice. His prose is简洁明了 and easy to understand, yet it also manages to convey deep and profound ideas.

In conclusion, despite the passage of time, E. B. White's essays remain relevant and valuable, serving as a testament to his literary talent and his enduring contribution to American literature.

I have a particular affinity for Charlotte's Web. It is a truly enchanting and captivating piece of literature that has left a lasting impression on me. However, when it comes to the majority of his other writing, I can't help but feel that it lacks the same level of charm and excitement. It often comes across as dry and unengaging, failing to draw me in and hold my attention.

Nonetheless, I still had to read his works for class. This requirement has given me the opportunity to explore and analyze his writing style more deeply. Although I may not always enjoy the content, I have gained a better understanding of his literary techniques and the themes he attempts to convey.

Despite my reservations about some of his other works, I will always cherish the magic and wonder that Charlotte's Web has brought into my life. It serves as a reminder that even within a body of work, there can be gems that shine brightly and touch our hearts in ways that others may not.

Forty-four years ago, my English Comp professor dissected White's "This is New York" as an example of what it means to write well.

It was a moment that left a profound impact on me. Ever since then, I've loved White's work with a passion.

And now, as the years have passed, it has become high time for me to reread some of his best essays.

White was truly a master of the form. His words had the power to transport readers to different worlds, to make them see things from a new perspective.

His essays were not just pieces of writing; they were works of art.

Rereading them now, I expect to gain new insights, to be inspired once again by his unique style and his deep understanding of the human condition.

I look forward to delving into his words and rediscovering the beauty and wisdom that lies within.

I dare you to not smile while reading E.B. White. His words have a magical charm that can easily bring a smile to your face.

White's writing is known for its simplicity and elegance. He has a unique way of observing the world and presenting his thoughts in a humorous and engaging manner.

Whether it's his children's books like "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little" or his essays, you can always find something to make you laugh and think.

His descriptions of characters and situations are so vivid that you can almost picture them in your mind.

Reading E.B. White is like taking a journey into a world full of warmth, kindness, and humor. So, go ahead and pick up one of his books. I guarantee you won't be able to resist smiling.