
"There under some spreading oak or beech."
A FELLOW TRAVELLER
ON A FAMOUS SERMON
ON POCKETS AND THINGS
ON A COUNTRY PLATFORM
ON A DISTANT VIEW OF A PIG
IN DEFENCE OF IGNORANCE
ON A SHINY NIGHT
ON GIVING UP TOBACCO
THE GREAT GOD GUN
A series of thoughtful essays written during the upheaval of war, this collection offers a quiet refuge in everyday moments. The author reflects on the simple act of traveling alone on a night train, turning the cramped carriage into a stage for imagination, freedom, and self‑conversation. A seemingly trivial encounter with a persistent mosquito becomes a playful meditation on control, irritation, and the unexpected companionship that can arise in solitude.
Interwoven with gentle humor and keen observation, the pieces capture the tension between external turmoil and inner calm. The writer’s voice moves from witty banter to sincere wonder, inviting listeners to pause and notice the “leaves” that drift into their own lives—those fleeting thoughts, small encounters, and quiet revelations. Ideal for anyone seeking a reflective, lightly humorous companion on a long journey or a quiet evening.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (349K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Release date
Oct 26, 2011
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1865–1946
Best known for the graceful, humane essays he signed "Alpha of the Plough," this English writer brought warmth and moral clarity to everyday subjects. He was also a major newspaper editor whose journalism and public work reflected a strong concern for fairness and social reform.
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