English ways and by-ways : Being the letters of John and Ruth Dobson written from England to their friend, Leighton Parks

The book unfolds as a lively series of letters penned by John and Ruth Dobson, two young American expatriates navigating everyday life in England just before the Great War. Their correspondence to a distant friend brims with witty observations, gentle satire, and the occasional domestic crisis, all delivered in a voice that feels both intimate and conversational. Through their eyes we travel from bustling London streets to quiet country lanes, meeting quirky neighbors, bewildered servants, and a host of eccentric customs that make the familiar seem both strange and charming.

Ruth’s sharp humor shines when a beloved Irish setter meets an untimely end, prompting a frantic scramble that reveals the couple’s blend of affection, anxiety, and improvisation. Alongside these personal moments, the letters sketch the rhythm of English society—public houses, schoolrooms, elections, and even the peculiar ritual of boat‑racing. Listeners will find a warm, affectionate portrait of a bygone era, stitched together by friendship and the simple pleasure of sharing a cup of tea.