E.B. White's romanticization of raising chickens is something that I am well aware is not entirely accurate.

Chickens, in reality, are often considered dumb, smelly creatures. They can be quite loud, especially when they are startled or trying to communicate.

Moreover, the fact that they sometimes eat each other is a rather disturbing aspect of their behavior.

However, despite all these drawbacks, there is still a part of me that damn well wants to move to a farm and raise some chickens.

There is just something about the idea of having these feathered friends running around that seems so lovely, lovely, lovely.

Maybe it's the simplicity of life on a farm, or the connection to nature that comes with raising animals.

Whatever the reason, I find myself drawn to the idea of raising chickens, even though I know it won't be all sunshine and roses.

This collection of essays is truly an outstanding book. It merits a far more comprehensive and in-depth commentary than what it has received thus far. In the context of the times we live in, its subject matter holds particular significance for American readers. The period of history leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the early years of the war effort is vividly brought to life. All of this is presented from the perspective of a thoughtful writer residing on a small farm in Maine.

White had relocated there with his wife and young son from New York, where he had been penning pieces for The New Yorker. In Maine, he embraced country living, focusing his attention on the cyclical rhythm of the seasons, the daily chores of farm work, the nearby seaside, and the company of the independent rural folk. The majority of the essays in this collection were composed and published monthly in Harpers from July 1938 to January 1943. Within these pages, White's awareness of the menacing threat of fascism emerging in Europe is palpable, as is the sense of vulnerability that Americans experienced as they confronted the prospect of a prolonged armed conflict with powerful adversaries. These were indeed dark days, and yet, they form a constant undercurrent in these otherwise optimistic essays about rural and small-town life.

And optimistic they are, celebrating the simple pleasures and gentle ironies of daily life, with occasional forays into the wider world. There are descriptions of the birth of a lamb, the trials of paying taxes, the antics of farm dogs, the nuisance of hay fever, the challenges of raising chickens, the tranquility of Sunday mornings, the allure of radio broadcasts, the drills of civil defense, a visit to Walden Pond, a day at the World's Fair, and the unrealistic portrayals of the pastoral in Hollywood. Among these essays is his renowned piece, "Once More to the Lake."

In many respects, the world that White writes about has vanished forever. However, its spirit endures at the core of the national identity, encompassing values such as participatory democracy, individualism, citizenship, self-discovery, and self-reliance. As one reads these essays, even though they often deal with seemingly insignificant matters, one can sense White's deepening faith in the American Experiment, a belief in America as a work in progress.

And, of course, there is the famous White style, characterized by its simplicity and elegance. The language, sentence structure, and flow of thought convey both intellectual acuity and a generous spirit, in a manner that appears and sounds effortless, yet is extremely difficult to imitate. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the home front during World War II, the essay as a literary form, and a curiosity about rural life before the advent of farm subsidies and agribusiness.

E.B. White is best known for his children's book, Charlotte's Web. However, this article provides a whole new understanding of the writer.

It presents a wonderfully humorous and thoughtful series of "posts" that offer a view of the farm life created by an escapee from the city. It also provides a perspective and point of view of the times as WWII evolves and the U.S. enters.

It is curious and unsettling to reflect on the similarities of events and evolving societal norms between the late 1930s-early 40s and 2022. Additionally, it is interesting to read about two pioneers of "remote" work.

The article not only gives insights into White's life and work but also makes connections to the present day, making it a captivating read for both fans of White and those interested in history and social change.

A wonderful book.

I think of E.B. White every time I straighten a rug.

He found himself aimlessly wandering around his apartment, engaged in the simple task of straightening rugs.

One day, he made a decision that would change his life.

He decided to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and head out to the country to explore a different type of life.

This was a great idea for him, as it allowed him to experience the peace and tranquility of rural living.

However, for me, I still find myself straightening rugs all the time.

It has become a familiar routine, a small task that brings a sense of order and calm to my daily life.

Although I may not have the opportunity to embark on a similar adventure like E.B. White, I can still find joy and meaning in the simple things.

Maybe one day, I will also make a bold decision and step out of my comfort zone to discover something new.

Until then, I will continue to straighten rugs and cherish the moments of quiet reflection that come with it.

I have always had a profound love for E.B. White's books, with "The Trumpet of the Swan" being one of my absolute favorites. So, when I came across this audiobook dedicated to him, my curiosity was instantly piqued. And let me tell you, it far exceeded my expectations.

Through this audiobook, I delved deep into the life of the author and discovered numerous aspects that I had previously been unaware of. Set in the 1930s - 1940s, it unfolds a captivating narrative of how E.B. White bid farewell to his city life and embraced the tranquility of the countryside, all while continuing to pursue his passion for writing.

Moreover, it offers a remarkably insightful perspective into life both before and during World War II. I can't recall ever reading anything quite like this, where the author, as an integral part of his life story, vividly describes the events that led up to the war and those that transpired during it. He also shares the emotions and feelings that people experienced during that tumultuous time.

Most of the literature I have encountered on this subject was written much later, looking back in hindsight. This audiobook, however, provides a unique and immediate account that I found truly fascinating. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone with an interest in understanding the behavior of the masses during that era. It also serves as a reminder to pause and reflect on the events happening in today's world (2025).

I listened to this audiobook with great enthusiasm, and it is undoubtedly one that I would love to listen to again in the future.

This book of essays is truly a gem that is likely best savored over an extended period.

When one can set aside the "modern-day" time pressures and deadlines and instead slow down to the pace of early- to mid-20th century Maine.

EB White is an incredibly insightful, self-aware, and progressive individual, not to mention a wonderful writer. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book, yet it took me MONTHS to complete it - mainly because I simply didn't want to rush through it.

My only minor difficulty was that some of the sections that described what it took to be a farmer during that era were extremely detailed. For someone like me who doesn't have a proper understanding of farming, these parts felt a bit long-winded. However, White approached it all as someone who didn't (initially) know how to farm either. So, it felt as if he was sharing his journey of learning and reasoning it all out. And isn't it crazy that it all works this way??

But there is no denying that he knew how to use language to its fullest extent. I have a great love for books that are both readable and involve an actual vocabulary.

Overall, I would rate this book 4.5 stars!

Can E.B. White be my grandfather? Regardless of his consent, I'm going to start quoting this book in conversation with, "As my grandfather used to say..."

I truly LOVE every moment, every passage, and every single sarcastic and well-written tale in this manuscript. From the old-timey chapters on the cost to raise his chickens to his government-supplied limestone allotment (from President Roosevelt!), this book takes the reader back to the simple country life of WWII-era America as seen by a man who, by his own admission, has no business living that life.

But, lest we believe his passages are only intelligent quips and observations like those of a modern comedian, the underbelly is still the era in which he tells his tales. In no chapter is this more beautifully apparent than in "The Wave of the Future". He starts the chapter explaining his construction of a boat, the Flounder. He's sure to point out how he prepared himself for the build... "by asking a man how to build a boat and he told me." But soon, he falls into a diatribe about a book he read called "The Wave of the Future" by Anne Lindbergh. In the book, Mrs. Lindbergh argues a point (which the benefit of history deems ridiculous) that the fascist forces are manipulating a new wave of engaging society. A point which our boy EB finds absurd. Saying, "The forces are always the same--on the people's side frustration, disaffection; on the leader's side control of hysteria, perversion of information, abandonment of principle. There is nothing new in it and nothing good in it..." Sounds like good advice, perhaps even for today... in America?

Well, as my grandfather used to say, "I don't know. It is something for every man to study over, with the help of his God and his conscience." I cannot recommend this book enough. I will continue to keep it at my bedside and read an essay here and there, because, these words are little nuggets of inspiring brilliance.

This book is not just a collection of stories but a profound exploration of a bygone era. E.B. White's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a joy to read. His insights into the human condition and the political climate of his time are still relevant today. The way he weaves together personal anecdotes with social commentary is masterful.

Whether you're interested in history, literature, or just a good read, this book is sure to satisfy. It will transport you to a different time and place, and make you think about the world we live in today. So, if you haven't already, I highly recommend picking up this book and experiencing the magic of E.B. White's writing for yourself.

As someone who has relatives in Maine and spent a few summers there as a kid, specifically up in the potato fields of Aroostook County, reading this book has truly been a remarkable experience. It vividly reminded me of those precious moments spent with an uncle.

He would tell simple stories of everyday life, yet these stories had the power to provide a larger picture perspective. It was as if through his words, I could see the essence of life in that small town.

From the man who wrote the book on writing, namely The Element of Style, it comes as no surprise that the writing in this book is perfect. Each word is carefully chosen, and the sentences flow effortlessly.

Each essay brings up a different aspect of his life. Whether it's about his childhood, his relationships, or his thoughts on various topics, I found myself completely engrossed. By the time I was done reading (I would read a few essays at a time over the course of a couple of months), I felt as if I knew Mr White on a personal level. He would indeed make an awesome neighbor, someone with whom I could have deep and meaningful conversations.

This book is not just a collection of essays; it's a journey into the life and mind of a remarkable writer. It has left a lasting impression on me and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys beautiful writing and insightful stories.

I decided to read this book simply because E.B.White was identified as a Maine author.

At the beginning, I had high hopes. However, as I delved deeper into the pages, I found that although there were a few amusing parts here and there, on the whole, it was extremely difficult to understand.

White appears to be completely engrossed in his animals, yet he seems to blatantly ignore his wife and son. He refers to his son in a rather impersonal way as "the boy" and there is no indication of any meaningful relationship between them.

Moreover, he claims that he doesn't know much about farming, but then proceeds to list off an extensive array of work and chores that he does around his farm. This contradiction makes his writing seem sketchy and at times, illogical.

Perhaps I'm missing some crucial elements, but to me, it doesn't amount to much of a story. It feels more like random ramblings. I persisted in reading, hoping that it would improve, but unfortunately, it never did.

In conclusion, I would not recommend this book to anyone.

Beautifully written short essays from one of America's most talented writers.

White writes about his experience of moving from the bustling New York City to his peaceful farm in Maine during World War II.

His descriptions are so vivid that one can almost picture the scenes in their mind.

The essays are truly very enjoyable, as they offer a unique perspective on life and change.

White's writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking.

It is described as "too personal for an almanac, too sophisticated for a domestic history, too funny and self-doubting for a literary journal."

Perhaps, it can be seen as a primer, containing a countryman's lessons that convey, at each reading, a sense of early morning clarity and possibility.

These essays are not only a pleasure to read but also a source of inspiration and reflection.

They remind us of the simple joys of life and the importance of finding peace and contentment in the midst of chaos.

Overall, White's essays are a literary gem that should not be missed.

In the initial part of the book, within each essay, there is approximately a sentence or so that seems strikingly out of date and rather callous. For instance, when the author complains about the cost of grain simply because Germany is invading France.

However, on the other hand, these very passages serve to disclose the isolationism and the blase attitude that was so widespread in the United States during that era. It is interesting to note how these attitudes were prevalent and how they influenced the thoughts and writings of the time.

Aside from these issues related to the historical context, the majority of these essays were truly a delight to read. They offered unique perspectives, engaging ideas, and a certain charm that made them enjoyable and thought-provoking.

Overall, while the dated and callous aspects cannot be ignored, they also provide valuable insights into the historical period, and the rest of the essays more than make up for these minor drawbacks.

If ever I was to meet my soul-mate in book form, I firmly believe it would be E.B. White's One Man's Meat.

As I delved into this collection of his essays penned between 1938 and 1943, I was constantly astounded. White's personal recountings of his daily life and thoughts seemed to resonate deeply with me, a 59-year-old woman living her life more than 70 years later.

White writes with such thoughtfulness, insight, wit, and humor. He describes roofing his barn while war looms on the horizon, bringing a cow home after his personal probationary period of practicing on sheep, and the bittersweet experience of taking his son to fish at the lake where he had fished with his own father.

His essays are not just mere personal musings. White skillfully intertwines world politics and the dreadful feelings of fear that prevailed leading up to World War II. He is one of the very few authors I have read who can seamlessly combine the internal personal and the outside world with his spare, honest writing and perfect word choices.

In addition to the painful reminders of dark times like "I keep forgetting that soldiers are so young," there are also delightfully prescient glimpses into the possible beginnings of Charlotte's Web with White's observations about rats, geese, and runt piglets.

One Man's Meat is truly poignant, reasonable, clear, and undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read.