A wonderful book of journal entries that is absolutely worth reading.

It is truly amazing to be able to experience the years 1938 - 1942 through E.B White's witty and observant journal entries on his farm.

His writing style is so engaging that it had me laughing out loud at certain points.

The way he describes the daily happenings on the farm, the interactions with the animals, and the simple pleasures of rural life makes the reader feel as if they are right there with him.

Each entry is filled with unique insights and charming anecdotes that provide a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

This book is not only entertaining but also a valuable piece of literature that offers a deeper understanding of the past.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about life on the farm or is interested in history and literature.

No one has taught me more about writing than E.B. White. My profound love of books stemmed directly from Charlotte's Web. However, this remarkable collection of essays, which I have revisited countless times, never fails to astonish me. It is a unique blend of being both of its time and timeless. For instance, it touches on the theme of people returning to the land, vividly reminding us of what it means to grow our own food and get our hands dirty. It encompasses the beauty of poetry, the charm of humor, the depth of history, and incisive social commentary, along with deft characterization. Forget about MFA programs, writers' how-to blogs, and adult ed courses. Just read White. And then read him again. His works are a treasure trove of literary wisdom and inspiration that can transform the way we view writing and the world around us.

These are Mr. White's profound reflections on life following his move from the bustling NYC to a serene farm in Maine. His musings, laced with a touch of subtle humor, span from the ordinary tasks of caring for his farm animals to more profound contemplations on significant historical events like WWII, the concept of freedom, and the menace of Hitler. His writing style is truly transcendent, having the power to make readers pause and engage in deep thought.

Although One Man's Meat is a compilation of columns and essays penned by the author during the late 1930s through the early 1940s, its relevance and significance have not diminished over time. In fact, it remains just as meaningful today as it was back then. The book offers valuable insights into the human condition and the various aspects of life that we often take for granted.

It is a literary gem that is well-worth reading, as it has the potential to expand our perspectives and enhance our understanding of the world around us. Whether you are interested in history, philosophy, or simply a good read, One Man's Meat is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Brevet till Thoreau led me to this charming and deeply humanistic collection of chronicles from 1938 - 43. Mr. and Mrs. White, both journalists, left New York for a "seaside farm" in Maine, much like Vonnegut's exodus to Cape Cod. The cover photo is by Jill Krementz. I wonder if the four of them interacted?

The letters to Thoreau seem to have opened a door to a different era, one filled with the White's experiences and musings. Their decision to leave the bustling city of New York for the tranquility of Maine was perhaps a search for a simpler and more meaningful life. It's interesting to compare their move to Vonnegut's to Cape Cod. Both locations offer a respite from the chaos of urban living.

The cover photo by Jill Krementz adds an element of mystery and charm. It makes one wonder what kind of stories and memories are hidden within the pages of this collection. And the thought of whether the Whites and Vonnegut might have crossed paths or known each other adds an extra layer of intrigue. Maybe there are connections and relationships waiting to be discovered as one delves deeper into this fascinating collection.

Back to the farm? Not really.

In the introduction to this book, the author endeavors to elucidate why he abandoned his home and job in New York City and relocated to a secluded farm on the coast of Maine. It couldn't have been due to fond memories of boyhood farm life, as he grew up in the family of a prosperous city merchant. He firmly asserts that it wasn't because he was weary of New York City. And he claims that he wasn't tired of his job penning "Notes and Comments" at The New Yorker Magazine either.

He speaks vaguely about desiring to "simplify" his life, yet the life he depicts is as complex as can be. He is modest regarding his abilities as a farmer, stating that it would be more accurate to label his spread a private zoo. He would surely object to being called a "gentleman farmer," and that label is inaccurate since he performed most of the menial tasks himself.

On the other hand, he is honest enough to admit that his writing supported the farm. Even before his move, he had a deal with Harpers Magazine for a monthly column, and those columns were ultimately compiled into this enduring book. His wife was New Yorker editor Katharine Angell, who reluctantly moved to Maine with her husband, continuing her work remotely. This meant having a cook and two maids, things not typically found on small New England farms.

It's tempting to view him as a farmer by hobby and a writer out of necessity, but that's not the whole story either. In the introduction, he says he loved writing editorials for The New Yorker, but wanted to discover his own voice as a writer without having to conform to the magazine's management's ideas.

It's difficult to categorize White because of his talent for seemingly revealing himself without actually doing so. He was a renowned, popular writer, yet he refused to become a celebrity. His friend James Thurber said that everyone knew who E.B. White was, but only a handful of people recognized him when they saw him. "Self-effacing" is the best way to describe him.

The book is replete with White's dry humor and self-deprecating jokes. He adored the farm and the animals, but he was also intrigued by the local community. Far from making fun of the "yokels," he was open in his admiration of their knowledge and tenacity. New England is a harsh environment, and successful farming there demands intelligence and dedication.

White's farm was isolated, but he was fully cognizant of the escalating tensions in Europe that led to WWII. A well-read, intelligent, and sensitive man, he held strong opinions on Fascism and the responsibility of the United States to safeguard democracy both at home and abroad.

I can understand why this book is regarded as a classic. White was a fine writer and an exceptional individual. His thoughts are worth reading, even eighty years after they were written. And if you're ever inclined to believe John Denver's spiel ("Oh, life on the farm is kinda laid back"), it's better to check out White's portrayal of the reality of farming. He knew what he was talking about.

An amazing piece of prose that gives beauty to the simplicity of life on a farm in Maine. It reveals that meaning can be found in the smallest tasks of the day. Every little thing, like milking the cows, feeding the chickens, or tending to the garden, holds a special charm and significance.

This book is truly inspiring. It makes you appreciate the beauty and value of the ordinary. It shows that even in the most humble of settings, there is magic and wonder to be discovered. It has the power to transport you to a different world, a world of peace, tranquility, and natural beauty.

This is the book that made me love to read. It opened my eyes to the joys of literature and the power of words to touch our hearts and souls. It taught me that a good book can be a source of inspiration, comfort, and entertainment. It is a treasure that I will cherish forever.

What a gem!

This simple phrase holds a world of meaning. A gem is something precious, rare, and beautiful. It can refer to a physical stone, like a diamond or a ruby, but it can also describe a person or an experience.

When we call someone a gem, we mean that they are special, kind, and valuable. They have qualities that make them stand out from the crowd and bring joy to those around them.

Similarly, an experience can be a gem. It might be a once-in-a-lifetime event, like a wedding or a trip to a foreign country, or it could be a small moment of happiness, like a beautiful sunset or a delicious meal.

In a world that can often seem harsh and unforgiving, finding a gem is like finding a little piece of heaven. It reminds us that there is still beauty and goodness in the world, and that sometimes, the simplest things can be the most precious.

Perhaps in the midst of a pandemic and social upheaval, my mind was in such a turmoil that I just couldn't slow it down enough to fully appreciate these well-crafted farm life stories.

Every page seemed to pass by in a blur, and my focus was constantly pulled in different directions. The bottom line, however, was that I couldn't wait to be done with the book.

This realization makes me a little sad because I have great affection for EB. I had high hopes and truly wanted to like his book.

I feel as if I missed out on the beauty and charm that it surely held. Maybe in a different time, when the world is a little less chaotic, I will be able to revisit these stories and give them the attention they deserve.

Until then, I will hold onto my love for EB and hope that there will be another opportunity to experience the magic of his writing.

Only read EB White if you are prepared to ruin yourself for other writers. Maybe this is a bit of an exaggeration, but truly, this fellow could tell a story like no other. The way he writes is simply outstanding. His words are so well crafted that they not only make you laugh but also touch your heart deeply. I found myself marking about 50 different places in the book to reread, which clearly indicates that I must actually purchase a copy for myself. It is simply a wonderful piece of literature that leaves a lasting impression. The stories he weaves are like magical tapestries, captivating the reader from the very first page until the last. EB White's writing is a true gem that should be cherished and savored by all who appreciate great literature.

Essays first published between 1938 and 1944 offer a unique blend of musings about war and patriotism, intertwined with notes on daily farm chores.

For instance, it is stated that the passionate love of Americans for their country will play a significant role in winning the war. However, it is also pointed out that the very patriotism we rely on must eventually be partly relinquished if the world is to achieve lasting peace and put an end to the brutalities of war.

At the same time, the author acknowledges that loyalty, the sense of belonging to a special place, and respect for one's native scene have contributed to the world's wars. The question is raised: who is capable of loving the entire planet? We must find such individuals for the future society.

In addition to these profound thoughts, there are also some gorgeous descriptions of the natural world. One such description comes from an evening spent training a puppy to tree a raccoon. After midnight, they moved to an easier area about ten miles away. The going was better there, with old fields and orchards filled with thick clusters of little wild apples under the trees. Old stone walls led into the woods, and there were occasional empty barns serving as ghostly landmarks.

The night grew frosty, and the ground was slippery with rime. The bare birches seemed to hold the stars on their branches, and the world presented a seductive景象, a dark symphony of brooding groves and plains. Everything had gone well, and everyone was content to be out in the early hours, following the musical cues of a wise and active dog.

Wonderful for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, the writing is truly marvelous. It has a certain elegance and fluidity that makes it a pleasure to read.

Secondly, the humor is outstanding. It ranges from the dry self-effacing aside to broad buffoonish wordplay, keeping the reader entertained throughout.

The historical context is also fascinating. It takes us from the beginning of the Second World War in Europe to the declaration of war in the US, providing a unique perspective on this significant period.

The setting, Maine, seems to inspire a special love in its writings and writers. Despite its size and apparent charms, it has a certain allure that comes through in the text.

The content, a series of New Yorker columns, is simply charming. Every word is as well chosen as a brick in a garden wall, and the whimsy coupled with earthbound realism makes it a joy to read. It's no wonder that White's children's books are enduring classics.

Overall, I wholly enjoyed this article. I only wish it were longer so that I could have more of this wonderful writing.

I am not a fan of essay/ short stories/vignettes, so this was going to be a hard sell for me right from the start.

EB White is, without a doubt, an extremely talented writer. His works are filled with profound thoughts and unique perspectives. Some of his musings were truly interesting, capable of captivating the reader's attention and making them think deeply.

However, overall, I found his writing just a little too slow for my taste. The pace at which the stories unfold and the ideas are presented sometimes made me feel a bit impatient. I prefer a more fast-paced and action-packed style of writing that keeps me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

Nevertheless, I do recognize the value and artistry in EB White's work, and I can appreciate the beauty and elegance of his prose. It's just that for me personally, it didn't quite hit the mark in terms of my reading preferences.