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The Last Christmas Tree: An Idyl of Immortality cover

The Last Christmas Tree: An Idyl of Immortality

By James Lane Allen
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Philosophy & Ethics

About This Book

A contemplative idyll meditates on earthly life as warmth, using extended candle imagery to portray living beings and stellar decline. It traces a vivid imagined moment when snow first fell, transforming the planet and marking the onset of mortality while Time is personified writing an epitaph. The piece connects seasonal change to human longing for a life beyond planetary extinction and probes faith, hope, and the limits of knowledge about immortality. Lyrical natural descriptions and stark symbols—melting crystals, white banks, and waning stars—frame sober reflections on endings, persistence, and the enduring desire to believe in continuance beyond the physical world.

About the Author

Allen, James Lane portrait

James Lane Allen

James Lane Allen was an American author known for his vivid portrayals of life in Kentucky. His works often explore themes of nature, spirituality, and the complexities of human relationships. Among his notable titles is "A Kentucky Cardinal: A Story," which reflects his deep connection to the Bluegrass region and its culture. Allen's writing is characterized by lyrical prose and a keen observation of the human experience, making significant contributions to American literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His stories frequently blend realism with romantic elements, showcasing the beauty and challenges of rural life.

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