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Little Rivers: A Book of Essays in Profitable Idleness cover

Little Rivers: A Book of Essays in Profitable Idleness

By Henry Van Dyke
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Essays, Letters & SpeechesNature/Gardening/Animals

About This Book

A collection of lyrical essays that celebrates rivers, fishing, and quiet outdoor pleasures through vivid, contemplative description. The writer blends nature observation, travel sketches, anecdote, and occasional practical angling detail to evoke brooks, mountain streams, plants, and evening moods. Themes of leisure, memory, and restorative solitude recur as small natural scenes prompt broader moral and aesthetic reflections. Tone moves between affectionate humor and gentle wisdom, favoring unhurried, sensory attention to landscape and the consolations of simple, habitual acts in the open air.

About the Author

Van Dyke, Henry portrait

Henry Van Dyke

Henry Van Dyke was an American author, poet, and clergyman, known for his reflective and nature-inspired writings. His works often explore themes of spirituality and the beauty of the natural world. Among his notable titles is "Little Rivers: A Book of Essays in Profitable Idleness," which showcases his appreciation for the outdoors and leisurely pursuits. Van Dyke's literary contributions extend to poetry and essays, with works like "Fisherman's Luck and Some Other Uncertain Things" and "Days Off, and Other Digressions" highlighting his contemplative style. His writings continue to resonate with readers who seek inspiration in both nature and the human experience.

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