Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
26(26%)
4 stars
38(38%)
3 stars
36(36%)
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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I've never been a big fan of essays. However, after reading the Essays of E.B. White, my perspective might have changed. My first encounter with White, aside from "Charlotte's Web," was through "The Elements of Style." I consider this book to be one of the most crucial and practical resources for writing. With an upcoming essay exam, I thought White's essays would embody the principles of clear prose advocated in "The Elements of Style." This collection turned out to be much more than ordinary study material.

The essays in this collection were written between 1934 and 1977 and are divided into seven sections: The Farm, The Planet, The City, Florida, Memories, Diversions and Obsessions, and Books, Men, And Writing. As I perused the table of contents, I wondered how the co-author of "The Elements of Style" would approach each subject. White belonged to a patriotic generation that经历了两次世界大战. The generation gap between us is significant. With this in mind, I began reading the foreword.

The foreword immediately caught my attention. It described the essayist as a self-liberated man, sustained by the belief that everything he thinks and experiences is of general interest. White's essays are a living example of "The Elements of Style." He writes with straightforwardness and an admirable degree of honesty. His elegant prose transports the reader to the places he writes about. I could feel the winter chill of his Maine farm, even though I was reading his essay in the California sunshine of June. His work is timeless, like an ancient redwood standing firm in the face of modern technological progress.

To my surprise, my initial doubts about the generation gap were quickly dispelled. White's essay on visiting the World Fair is a fascinating exploration of the disillusionment with technology. While most people were amazed by the promised future, White looked on with suspicion. He noted that there was more electrically transmitted joy than spontaneous joy at the fair. The music of tomorrow, he observed, often came from yesterday's singer. White's crowning achievement in this collection is his essay on New York, "Here is New York." This piece of writing is a masterpiece that deserves a review of its own. While I did find a few essays a bit dull, the inclusion of the New York essay more than makes up for it. For this reason, I gave the book five stars.

I'm very glad to have discovered this book. White's prose is so clear that it gives the impression of him defying death. I was also surprised to see him break some of the rules of "The Elements of Style." However, I think I understand why he chose to do so. He wrote because he enjoyed it, just as he enjoyed his walks in the woods. Writing essays and living were not a race for White. I wish the modern world could have a similar understanding.
July 14,2025
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A renowned essayist from the early 20th century, [Essayist's Name] has left an indelible mark on the literary world. His collection is a treasure trove, presenting a wide variety of works that offer a lighthearted and refreshing look at life through his unique perspective. Each essay is a gem, filled with wit, charm, and profound insights. White's writing style is engaging and accessible, making his works a joy to read for readers of all ages. Whether he is writing about nature, human relationships, or the simple pleasures of life, he always manages to find the humor and beauty in the ordinary. His essays are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, inspiring readers to look at the world around them in a new way. Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature and a lighthearted take on life.

July 14,2025
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I had a rather difficult time when it came to rating this book.

There were indeed a handful of essays that I truly liked. Mostly, these were the autobiographical ones.

I have always thought of EBW as a kind of grandfatherly figure. But as I delved into his work, I discovered that he lived a quite eclectic, adventurous, and activist life.

He is, of course, the "White" in Strunk and White's "Elements of Style."

As I read through the collection, I often found myself reflecting on his political essays. It struck me that, in many ways, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

However, it must be said that there were also many essays that simply didn't seem relevant or interesting to me.

After doing a rather detailed mathematical analysis, I ultimately ended up with a rating of 2.5.

Overall, this book was a bit of a mixed bag for me.
July 14,2025
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Modern writers such as Bryson and Chabon are known for crafting beautiful and economical sentences. Their works are a testament to the power of concise and effective language.

E.B. White's essays, in particular, can be regarded as an archetypal model. His writing is not only engaging but also thought-provoking.

Among this collection, the essay titled The Years of Wonder stood out to me. It reminded me of Richard Dana's works, yet White takes a unique approach in this essay. He often indulges in amusing self-criticism of his development as a writer.

This self-reflection adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the essay. It allows the reader to see White's growth and evolution as a writer, and it also makes the essay more relatable.

Overall, The Years of Wonder is a captivating and entertaining read that showcases E.B. White's mastery of the written word.
July 14,2025
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I have a great admiration for his writing style. However, it's not that I love every single one of his essays.

For me, the most captivating sections of the book are right at the beginning. At that point, all of his essays focus on farming life, painting a vivid and detailed picture that truly engages the reader.

And then, there's the last part of the book which delves into the world of writers and writing.

He is an extremely clear and concise writer, which makes his works a pleasure to read. In fact, I was so impressed that I've already placed an order for two more books authored by him.

Moreover, I find his sense of humor quite charming. It's a dry kind of humor that sneaks up on you and makes you smile.

The final part of the book, titled "On E.B. White" and written by Hal Hager, is truly wonderful. It had me both laughing out loud and commiserating with Mr. White, sharing in his experiences and emotions.

Overall, this book has been a great read and has left me eager to explore more of his works.
July 14,2025
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EB White is truly a master of writing, and you are already well aware of this fact.

His brilliance and charm vividly shine through in these essays. Each one is exquisitely written, although it must be noted that some of them do show their age.

Specifically, there are a few essays that were centered around political issues that are now over 50 years old. As a result, they didn't resonate with me in the same profound way that they likely did with readers during that era.

When compared to the other books I have read this year, Essays of EB White most closely reminded me of Steinbeck's Travels with Charlie.

However, it should be pointed out that these essays aren't quite as compelling as Steinbeck's book. This is because they don't unfold a larger, more encompassing story in the same manner.

Nevertheless, the lovely voice and the remarkable precision of Mr. White's writing offer a unique comfort all their own.

They have a certain allure that draws the reader in and makes one appreciate the artistry of his words.

Despite their differences from other works, these essays have their own charm and value that make them a worthy addition to any literary collection.

July 14,2025
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What a truly superb collection of writing this is!

Some of the selections within it have a tendency to lean towards the nostalgic, and at times, they might even verge on the corny. However, it is executed in such a superbly excellent manner that it doesn't matter. At its very best, his writing has the power to bring to mind the essays of Lamb or Birrell. The brief essay, "Once more to the lake," on its own, justifies the price of the purchase. In this account of his return to the scene of his boyhood holidays, he deftly weaves together sentiment with intimations of mortality. It is evident that this is a master at work, someone who truly understands the art of writing and can create a piece that is both touching and thought-provoking. The way he crafts his words and constructs his sentences is a joy to read and a testament to his skill as a writer.
July 14,2025
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I read this a long time ago, and I firmly believe that it is high time to revisit it.

I vividly remember the habit I had of reading one essay every single night right before going to bed. It was an incredibly wonderful experience, almost as if I was treating myself to a delicious piece of great dark chocolate just before slumber.

That moment of quiet reading before bed was like a precious ritual. It allowed me to unwind, relax my mind, and escape from the hustle and bustle of the day. The words in the essays would transport me to different worlds, make me think deeply, and inspire my imagination.

Revisiting this old habit now feels like a journey back in time, a chance to reconnect with those precious moments and the wisdom and beauty I discovered within those essays. It's an opportunity to once again enjoy the simple pleasure of losing myself in a good piece of writing before drifting off to sleep.

July 14,2025
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I picked up a secondhand copy of this book at the Goodwill a few years ago on a whim. I had never heard of E.B. White before. However, a quote on the back of the book described him as “one of the finest essayists of the twentieth century.” Intrigued, I decided to bring it home and see what all the fuss was about.



I am extremely happy to report that they weren't lying. I found this collection of essays to be thoroughly enjoyable. The essays paint a vivid picture of a man who was kind, witty, thoughtful, and ahead of his time. Reading his essays felt like having conversations with a dear friend. It gave me a vivid look into the past and filled me with a sense of hope and joy.



Thank you, Mr. White. This is not just one of the best collections of essays I've ever read, but one of the best books as well. My copy will most definitely stay on my shelves for years to come, serving as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the power of great writing.

July 14,2025
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These essays were an absolute DELIGHT, and that's truly all there is to it.

They are brimming with joy, wonder, and humor in such abundance. It's as if they possess a certain quality that I can only describe as humane.

Of course, aside from that, they are masterfully written. This kind of writing serves as a reminder that perhaps American literature doesn't have to be seen as just Brit lit's grimy little cousin after all.

In conclusion, everything I've read by or about E.B. White simply makes me love him even more. This book is truly a gift.

I should add that I was inspired to read this because I accidentally came across one particular essay, "The Years of Wonder," while at work a short while ago, and it remains my favorite thing.

I've read it twice now, both times unfortunately in places where I had to suppress my laughter for the sake of others. Such is life. But here is my hard-earned wisdom: read it someplace where you can cackle freely. I do, just by remembering it!
July 14,2025
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“I discovered a long time ago,” White wrote in a letter, “that writing of the small things of the day, the trivial matters of the hearth, the inconsequential but near things of this living, was the only kind of creative work which I could accomplish with any sanctity or grace.”

White truly understood the beauty and significance in the ordinary. He was able to take those seemingly unimportant details of daily life and transform them into something extraordinary.

And accomplish it he did. With so much grace, humor and simple humanity. His writing was like a gentle breeze that blew through the hearts of his readers, touching them in the most profound ways.

I am now a huge E.B. White fan. His works have opened my eyes to the magic that lies within the everyday. I can't wait to read more of his work and continue to be inspired by his unique perspective on life.

Each word he wrote seems to have been carefully chosen and placed, creating a vivid and enchanting world that I am eager to explore further.

White's ability to find beauty and meaning in the smallest of things is a gift that I hope to emulate in my own writing and in my life.

July 14,2025
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Nonfiction that possess a subtle sense of humor, an eclectic knowledge base, and truly strong writing skills is a rare find. It reminds me vividly of John McPhee and Annie Dillard, who are probably my two all-time favorite authors.

Many of the essays within this work didn't initially strike me as being particularly timely or relevant. However, upon further reflection and immersion, the overall experience of reading them compared very favorably to some of the more timely and relevant content that we often encounter, such as on platforms like Twitter.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that there is a paragraph where he describes Thoreau's Walden, and it is thoroughly enjoyable and fun to read. It offers a unique perspective and brings a fresh light to this classic work, adding yet another layer of depth and interest to the entire collection of essays.

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