The Lost Dahlia

Name: The Lost Dahlia
Author: Mary Russell Mitford

By Mary Russell Mitford

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Humour Nature/Gardening/Animals

About This Book

The narrator humorously chronicles a lifetime of small losses and mishaps, from misplaced gloves and keys to a wanderlust-prone mare and a stray spaniel, and questions whether carelessness or ill fortune is to blame. Attention then centers on a spectacular dahlia known as Phoebus, celebrated for its golden-scarlet blooms and widely coveted by neighbors; the household promotes cuttings and flaunts the flower while detailing horticultural efforts to propagate it. The essay blends anecdote, garden lore, and wry reflection as it recounts the plant's prominence and eventual disappearance.

About the Author

Mary Russell Mitford

Mary Russell Mitford (1787-1855) was an English author and playwright, best known for her vivid depictions of rural life in her series of essays titled "Our Village." Mitford's work often reflects her keen observations of the characters and landscapes of her native Hampshire, blending humor and sentimentality. In addition to her essays, she wrote several plays and novels, including "Aunt Deborah" and "Honor O'Callaghan." Her contributions to literature capture the essence of 19th-century English society, making her a notable figure in the literary heritage of her time.