A Leaf from the Old Forest

audiobook

A Leaf from the Old Forest

by John D. Cossar

EN·~2 hours·20 chapters

Chapters

20 total

Transcribed by an anonymous volunteer from a book owned by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org

0:06

A LEAF from THE OLD FOREST.

0:07

A LEAF FROM THE OLD FOREST.

1:34

PRELUDE. - ADDRESSED TO THE CRITIC.

8:49

King Nimæra.

1:00:57

LORD HENRY OF THE EDEN-SIDE. - INTRODUCTION.

18:26

MY MOTHER’S DEATH.

11:16

THE WORLD’S END.

3:56

THE SABBATH DAY.

5:56

BEAUTY ADORNED.

12:00
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Description

A gentle invitation opens the collection, asking for a single leaf from the ancient forest—a symbol of memory, friendship, and the quiet beauty of the natural world. The opening verses weave the sounds of rustling pine, oak, and holly into a tender refrain that feels both personal and timeless, setting a tone of reverent nostalgia.

From there the book unfolds into a varied tapestry of Victorian poetry. Some pieces address the fickle nature of criticism and the role of the poet, while others turn to love, school days, and fleeting moments of joy. Interspersed are playful acrostics, heartfelt letters to friends, and meditations on seasons, each rendered in a clear, melodic voice that captures the era’s love of detail and sentiment.

Listeners will find a comforting mixture of lyrical rhythm and thoughtful reflection, perfect for quiet afternoons. The poems linger like the very leaf they invoke—small tokens that carry the scent of the forest and the echo of bygone days.

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Details

Language

en

Duration

~2 hours (150K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

Nov 3, 2008

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

Subjects

About the author

JD

John D. Cossar

Best known today for the 1870 poetry collection A Leaf from the Old Forest, this little-known writer left behind work steeped in nineteenth-century language, faith, and feeling. Even with few biographical details surviving, the poems still offer a clear sense of a reflective and lyrical voice.

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