
A lively assortment of short fiction opens the volume, ranging from the mischievous misadventures of a headstrong heroine to poignant sketches of ordinary lives caught in extraordinary moments. Each tale blends humor with a keen eye for the quirks of human ambition, offering listeners a quick yet resonant escape into varied worlds.
Interwoven are concise “pocket philosophies” that examine how we spend our hours and how our minds can be honed like any other muscle. The author’s witty commentary on the modern obsession with physical efficiency turns a mirror on our own mental habits, suggesting simple, practical steps to sharpen thought without demanding grand gestures.
The collection rounds out with a handful of short plays and miscellaneous essays that probe the gaps between desire and action, all delivered in a conversational tone that feels like a friendly chat over tea. It’s a thoughtful, entertaining guide for anyone who wants to make the most of the time and talent they already possess.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (126K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Jeannie Howse and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
Release date
2007-11-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1867–1931
A sharp, observant English novelist and critic, he brought the everyday life of the Potteries to the page with unusual warmth and detail. His fiction, journalism, and practical essays made him one of the most widely read literary figures of his time.
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