25 : $b Being a young man's candid recollections of his elders and betters

A witty, droll portrait of Britain seen through the eyes of a twenty‑five‑year‑old narrator who feels both reverent and impatient with the world of his elders. He sketches the quirks of politicians, playwrights, and society figures, slipping in anecdotes that sparkle with sarcasm and affectionate nostalgia. The tone is conversational, as if the author were chatting over tea while cataloguing the eccentricities of the literary and theatrical set.

The collection moves from a “strange journey” of English gentlemen to vivid impressions of famous writers, a ghostly encounter, a Mediterranean detour, and even a satire of contemporary fashions. Along the way, the narrator reflects on youthful enthusiasm, the inevitable cooling of first loves, and the looming sense that his own age marks a turning point. Listeners will enjoy the blend of sharp observation, gentle humor, and the honest yearning to capture a fleeting moment before it fades.