Essays on things

In this contemplative collection, the author begins with a vivid, almost theatrical description of a sunrise witnessed from a French hotel balcony, turning the ordinary dawn into a cosmic drama. The prose blends personal reflection with literary allusion, inviting listeners to pause and savor the simple yet profound moments that shape our perception of the world.

From that opening, the essays wander through a wide array of subjects—novelists, poetry, music, love, memory, and even the rhythms of daily teaching—each treated with the same lyrical curiosity. The writer’s voice is both erudite and accessible, weaving quotations from Shakespeare, Milton and Browning into modern observations, making the familiar feel freshly illuminated. Whether you’re drawn to literary criticism, musings on human nature, or meditations on everyday beauty, this volume offers a thoughtful journey that encourages listeners to look beyond the surface and discover the wonder hidden in ordinary things.