
A lively anthology gathers together age‑old proverbs and fresh observations, weaving together stories from the East, medieval legends, and familiar English folklore. The volume also offers charming sketches of art in the new Parliament, picturesque tours of the Midlands, and a whimsical French fairy tale, all presented with the kind of straightforward charm that makes each piece feel like a conversation with a thoughtful friend.
Interlaced with these varied selections are the author’s own reflections, penned during a brief confinement, that lend the collection a personal, unvarnished tone. Listeners will hear vivid descriptions of countryside customs, colorful tales of distant lands, and keen insights into how imagination shapes belief—all delivered in clear, engaging language that invites both contemplation and delight.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (361K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Bryan Ness, 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
2017-11-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1805–1892
A self-taught shoemaker turned schoolmaster, journalist, and Chartist speaker, this Victorian writer lived through the political struggles he later wrote about. He is best remembered for the long poem The Purgatory of Suicides and for the vivid life story he left behind.
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