Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
38(38%)
4 stars
27(27%)
3 stars
35(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Hmmm. I initially thought that I would have a great love for this work, considering how much I adored Here Is New York. However, for some inexplicable reason, that wasn't the case. This book was a compilation of essays, with some being quite good while others fell short. I found his writing style to be rather circuitous, making it somewhat difficult to follow the train of thought.

Also, I must admit that I was a little put off. I have never been a fan of that particular theme where the city boy discovers that country boys are smarter than they appear. It was supposed to be a self-effacing kind of message, but in my opinion, it came across as rather arrogant. Not only is such a message insulting to the so-called "country bumpkin," but it also seems to be a slight on city folk as well. The mentality that the simplicity of farm life is the ultimate and that city people just don't understand it. I'm certain that wasn't his intended meaning, but that's precisely how it was perceived by me.

Nevertheless, I'm still awarding it as high as 3 stars due to some excellent lines and clever wit. I also quite enjoyed the diary-like feeling it evoked, especially since it was written during those years leading up to WWII. It was quite interesting from a historical perspective.
July 14,2025
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Definitely misjudged this book from its title.

At first glance, the title "One Man's Meat" didn't give me any indication of what the book would be about. In fact, not even once are the words "One Man's Meat" even ever uttered within its pages.

However, as I delved deeper into the book, it has become my favorite collection of one author's essays. This amazing book takes the reader on a journey through a range of emotions. It is so sorrowful at times, yet there is always a glimmer of hope shining through.

The author's writing is also full of love, whether it's love for nature, for people, or for life in general. And to top it off, the book is as dry and New-Yorker-funny as anything you'll ever read. It's a unique combination of humor and heart that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

I'm so glad I didn't let the title deter me from picking up this book. It has truly been a wonderful discovery.
July 14,2025
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Fifty years ago, in my freshman honors English composition course, I was introduced to E.B. White's essays through one of our required texts, "Fifty Delightful, Witty and Provocative Great Essays on Man and the World Around Him By Thirty-Eight Great Writers".

Since then, I have formed the opinion that White's prose is the clearest writing I have ever read. It is both simple and elegant at the same time. He was truly the best at what he did. His words have a unique charm that draws me in and makes me want to read more.

I can return to his essays again and again, and each time I discover something new and wonderful. His insights into human nature and the world around us are both profound and thought-provoking. White's writing has had a profound impact on me, and I am grateful to have been introduced to his work all those years ago.

Even today, his essays remain relevant and engaging, and I highly recommend them to anyone who loves good writing.
July 14,2025
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One Man's Meat has been sitting on my nightstand for over a year. It has been my constant companion during those sleepless nights when I am in desperate need of something soothing to ease my middle of the night anxieties. Or when I am engrossed in a particularly intense book, I would choose to read this one at night instead, as it has the power to lull me into a sense of profound peace. To be sure, there is a tinge of sadness in many of the essays. After all, White was penning these essays during the tumultuous era leading up to World War II. However, despite the awfulness of the world at that time, his sense of peace and humor remained unwavering. I find myself completely in awe of his wit and wisdom, even in the face of the distant horrors that loomed. It is precisely the kind of attitude that I strive to cultivate in myself nowadays. This was the second time I have read the entire book, and it was most definitely well worth revisiting. It continues to offer me solace and inspiration, and I am certain that it will do so for many more times to come.

July 14,2025
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One Man’s Meat is a remarkable collection of essays penned by White during the late 1930s and early 1940s.

In this eclectic series, White seamlessly weaves together world politics, children’s literature, and farming, creating essays that possess an eternal charm. His ability to blend multiple topics into a single coherent piece is truly awe-inspiring.

For instance, he writes, “While the old wars rage and the new ones hang like hawks above the world, we, the unholy innocents, study the bulb catalogue and order one dozen paper-white Grandiflora Narcissus (60 cents) to be grown in a bowl of pebbles. To the list my wife made out I have added one large root of bleeding heart to remind us daily of wounded soldiers and tortured Jews.” This shows his unique way of intertwining the mundane with the world’s pressing issues.

White’s writing style varies throughout the text. At times, it appears as stream of consciousness, while in other places, it is crisp and journalistic. Yet, he always seems to be in complete control of his writing.

His original audience may not have read his work as critically as writers would today. However, White offers his readers many treats. A regular reader of his work in Harpers might expect a certain level of politics in his essays, as it is often present at this stage of his writing.

In my view, White is a masterful writer. Over the span of sixty years, it seems he was deeply concerned about his audience. He is both eloquent and economical in his use of language, demonstrating amazing discipline in his craft.

One can also see the future children’s book writer in many of these essays. His use of vivid imagery is simply amazing. He immerses us in the scenes he描绘s, allowing us to experience the sights, smells, feels, and emotional impacts.

“One Man’s Meat”传达了一个深刻的信息:无论我们如何努力将自己与世界隔离开来,都不存在这样的事情。我们都相互关联,相互依存。 White通过各种微妙的方式反复强调了这一点,无论是在狩猎、学校旅行、帮助邻居照顾生病的母羊,还是接受政府补贴时。

It is important to note that these essays originally appeared in 3-4 page segments. What might seem overwhelming in a 275-page volume on farming, fishing, and foreign affairs becomes more manageable in four-page installments. Overall, this text is a great success.
July 14,2025
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An amazing anthology of essays awaits the reader, one that vividly showcases how life on a 1940’s New England farm could be both simple and incredibly hard. The pages are peppered with thought-provoking opinions regarding the advent of WWII, offering a unique perspective on that tumultuous era. In addition, EB White provides fascinating insights into American life during that time. What makes this collection truly special is the way White transforms the descriptions of life on the farm into a charming and folksy collection of Americana. Each essay is like a small window into a bygone era, allowing the reader to experience the joys and hardships of life on the farm. Whether it’s the daily chores, the changing seasons, or the relationships between the people who lived and worked there, White’s writing brings it all to life in a way that is both engaging and memorable.

July 14,2025
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I would dock.2 of a star due to the coon hunting chapter.

However, apart from that, this was truly a delight.

Some parts were serious, while others were humorous.

These columns, dating from 1938 to 1942, are about a salt farm in Maine.

White had a great deal to learn about farming.

You can clearly see the inspiration for Charlotte’s Web.

I was highly amused when his son complained that his dad knew nothing about writing, referring to “The Elements of Style.”

I had the distinct feeling that White was engaging in a nice personal chat with me.

And oh, how I could wish it were true.

This collection of columns offers a unique glimpse into White’s life and thoughts during that period, and despite the minor drawback of the coon hunting chapter, it is overall an enjoyable and engaging read.
July 14,2025
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E. B. White's writing possesses a quiet beauty that is truly captivating.

Even the most ordinary details of farming, a topic that could potentially be extremely dull and make one want to cry from boredom, become a delight to read under his pen.

It is evident that he has been influenced by Thoreau.

What I found especially fascinating is the way in which the impact of war and fascism managed to seep into these essays, despite the author's general tendency to avoid politics, at least explicitly.

The essays were written between 1938 and 1943, a time when the world was in the grip of great turmoil.

White's ability to subtly incorporate these themes into his writing adds an extra layer of depth and significance to his work.

It makes one realize that even in the seemingly simple and peaceful world of farming, the larger events of the outside world cannot be ignored.

His writing serves as a reminder that we are all interconnected and that the events of history have a profound impact on our lives, whether we are directly involved or not.

July 14,2025
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I've been truly savoring this remarkable book. It has been a constant companion, resting by my bed at the house located on the coast of Maine. This place is not far from where these beautiful essays were penned on the Eve of WWII.

As I read, they are bracingly evocative of the rural life in a specific time and place that has, unfortunately, fled from the modern world. The descriptions are so vivid that they transport me to that bygone era.

And let's not forget the wit! It is simply outstanding. Only Mark Twain comes to my mind as a worthy rival to EBW in this regard. I firmly believe that this little volume is an American treasure. It truly deserves your precious time and a much more prominent place in American literary history.

I've even decided how I'm going to handle the inevitable sad day when I have to part ways with this boon companion. I've made up my mind that I'm going to begin reading it from the very beginning again, reliving every moment and every beautiful word.

July 14,2025
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This is really a remarkable book that showcases the vanished Americana. It is not only patriotic but also has a strong emphasis on freedom. It constantly reminds me of Will Rogers. The author's writing is droll and filled with occasional happy historical anticipations. For example, he objects in writing to the fact that blacks in Florida were not allowed in the movie house in 1939. It's quite astonishing to read such things.

Interestingly, until I finished the book, I didn't make the connection between the author and the well-known works like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little. It's amazing how an author can have such diverse literary achievements. This book truly offers a unique perspective on American history and society, and it's a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the past.

Overall, it's a captivating and thought-provoking piece of literature that leaves a lasting impression.
July 14,2025
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I rarely read collections of essays.

However, this particular collection of White's essays, which are written from and about the farm in Maine, was truly worth the effort.

His observations are so keen and the ways in which he articulates them are simply lovely.

He has a unique ability to mix depth and growth with a love for the drama of the mundane.

Moreover, he adds a dash of self-deprecation, which makes his writing even more engaging.

There are definitely some essays in this collection that have become my favorites and will surely call me back for another reading.

I am so glad that I decided to give this collection a chance and discovered the wonderful world of White's writing.

It has opened my eyes to the beauty and significance that can be found in the simplest of things.

I would highly recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys thoughtful and beautifully written essays.

July 14,2025
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After I delved into a captivating children's book centered around E.B. White, my appetite for more of his works was insatiably piqued. I eagerly listened to the audiobook of "Charlotte's Web" narrated by him on CD and embarked on a journey of devouring all the essays he penned for the New Yorker and beyond.

This particular book is a remarkable compilation of his literary contributions subsequent to his relocation to a charming saltwater farm along the Maine coast. It consists of his daily musings and astute observations, which are brimming with wisdom, clarity, humor, kindness, and a distinctiveness that is truly his own.

He eloquently writes about Maine, and his words resonate with my own feelings towards California: "Once in everyone's life, there is likely to be a phase when he is fully awake, rather than operating in a state of half slumber. I regard those five years in Maine as the period when this occurred to me. Confronted with novel challenges and surrounded by new acquaintances - including the endearing characters in the barnyard, who would later make their reappearance in 'Charlotte's Web' - I suddenly found myself seeing, feeling, and listening with the innocent eyes, hearts, and ears of a child. It was one of those precious and unrepeatable interludes, a time of pure enchantment. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to capture some of these precious moments on paper."

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