
HOLIDAY HOUSE:
PREFACE
HOLIDAY HOUSE.
CHAPTER I. CHIT CHAT.
CHAPTER II. THE GRAND FEAST.
CHAPTER III. THE TERRIBLE FIRE.
CHAPTER IV. THE PRODIGIOUS CAKE.
CHAPTER V. THE LAST CLEAN FROCK.
CHAPTER VI. THE LONG LADDER.
CHAPTER VII. THE MAD BULL.
A lively assortment of short tales brings listeners into the bustling world of a handful of spirited children whose games and pranks once roamed freely across the countryside. Through vivid sketches the narrator shows how their natural curiosity clashes with an education system eager to shape every thought into neat, mechanical patterns. The stories celebrate the mischievous energy that thrives when imagination is allowed to run unchecked, offering a nostalgic glimpse of a “last boy” who still answers the call of bright‑sunny adventure.
The narrator’s tone blends gentle humor with thoughtful observation, inviting listeners to consider the balance between disciplined study and the untamed joys of youth. Each episode feels like a warm reminiscence, sprouting moral reflections without ever feeling preachy, and it captures the tender moments when kindness and boldness emerge from the chaos of play. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a quiet, character‑driven walk through a bygone era of childhood, these tales remind us that the heart’s wildness can still blossom amid the strictest of lessons.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (438K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jana Srna, D Alexander, David Wilson and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2010-06-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1800–1864
Best known for the lively children's classic Holiday House, this Scottish writer brought more fun and mischief into books for young readers than was usual in her time. She was also remembered in Edinburgh for her practical generosity and public spirit.
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