Little Rivers: A Book of Essays in Profitable Idleness

audiobook

Little Rivers: A Book of Essays in Profitable Idleness

by Henry Van Dyke

EN·~5 hours·14 chapters

Chapters

14 total

LITTLE RIVERS A BOOK OF ESSAYS IN PROFITABLE IDLENESS

0:52

ILLUSTRATIONS From drawings by F. V. DuMond

0:31

PRELUDE

1:48

LITTLE RIVERS

31:37

A LEAF OF SPEARMINT

30:17

AMPERSAND

26:19

A HANDFUL OF HEATHER

43:30

THE RISTIGOUCHE FROM AHORSE-YACHT

31:29

ALPENROSEN AND GOAT’S MILK

49:42

AU LARGE

51:18

Description

A gentle stroll through the mind of a late‑19th‑century essayist, this collection invites listeners to linger in the quiet corners of everyday life. From the simple joy of casting a line on a sun‑lit stream to the comforting hum of a babbling brook, each piece celebrates the small, often overlooked moments that make idleness a kind of wealth.

The writer weaves vivid observations of spring blossoms, songbirds, and the soft rush of water into reflections on friendship, memory, and the solace found in nature’s rhythms. Illustrated with delicate drawings, the essays balance humor and reverence, offering a conversational tone that feels like a chat with a trusted companion.

Listeners will find a soothing invitation to pause, breathe, and let the cadence of the river guide their thoughts, making this a perfect companion for quiet afternoons or reflective evenings. Its timeless charm reminds us that even in a bustling world, the simple pleasure of watching water flow can be profoundly restorative.

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Details

Language

en

Duration

~5 hours (333K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by David Edwards, readbueno and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)

Release date

2015-06-10

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Henry Van Dyke

Henry Van Dyke

1852–1933

A warm, reflective voice from the turn of the 20th century, he wrote stories, essays, and poems that brought together faith, nature, and everyday kindness. Best known for beloved pieces such as The Story of the Other Wise Man, he was also a minister, teacher, and diplomat.

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