
W. J. DAWSON
CHAPTER I - THE HOUSE OF BONDAGE - CHAPTER II - GETTING THE BEST OUT OF LIFE - CHAPTER III - GETTING A LIVING, AND LIVING - CHAPTER IV - EARTH-HUNGER - CHAPTER V - HEALTH AND ECONOMICS - CHAPTER VI - IN SEARCH OF THE PICTURESQUE - CHAPTER VII - I FIND MY COTTAGE - CHAPTER VIII - BUYING HAPPINESS - CHAPTER IX - HOW WE LIVED - CHAPTER X - NEIGHBOURSHIP - CHAPTER XI - THE WOUNDS OF A FRIEND - CHAPTER XII - AM I RIGHT? - CHAPTER XIII - THE CITY OF THE FUTURE - CHAPTER I - THE HOUSE OF BONDAGE
CHAPTER II - GETTING THE BEST OUT OF LIFE
CHAPTER III - GETTING A LIVING, AND LIVING
CHAPTER IV - EARTH-HUNGER
CHAPTER V - HEALTH AND ECONOMICS
TABLE I.
CHAPTER VI - IN SEARCH OF THE PICTURESQUE
CHAPTER VII - I FIND MY COTTAGE
CHAPTER VIII - BUYING HAPPINESS
The narrator opens with a vivid love‑letter to London, describing its towering spires, mist‑kissed Thames and the restless pulse that can feel both paradise and prison. He balances admiration for the city’s historic grandeur with a growing sense that the urban clamor can dull the senses, prompting an inner tug toward quieter, greener horizons. Through lyrical observations and personal anecdotes, he sets the stage for a deeper search for what a “simple life” might truly mean.
From this bustling backdrop the author embarks on a series of thoughtful inquiries—about work, health, economics, and the art of neighborly care—each chapter promising practical reflections and modest aspirations. The tone is gentle and contemplative, inviting listeners to join an exploration of how one might carve out calm and purpose without abandoning the world entirely. It feels like a quiet conversation with a seasoned friend, pointing toward a more balanced way of living.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (269K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-12-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1854–1928
A Methodist minister turned popular lecturer and writer, he brought religion, literature, and everyday life together in a warm, accessible style. His books ranged from essays and criticism to devotional and inspirational works, reflecting a career that reached readers in both Britain and North America.
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