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Essays of E. B. White  By  cover art

Essays of E. B. White

By: E. B. White
Narrated by: Malcolm Hillgartner
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Publisher's summary

Legendary author and essayist E. B. White writes, "The essayist is a self-liberated man, sustained by the childish belief that everything he thinks about, everything that happens to him, is of general interest." Covering a large number of subjects, this classic collection features 31 of White's most memorable essays.

©1977 E.B. White (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Essays of E. B. White

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  • Overall
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E.B. White writes honestly, fearlessly and clearly

I am continually amazed by and incredibly appreciative of E.B. White's writing, no matter whether his subject is spiders, pigs, roofing the barn, hurricanes, or war. He started writing essays around 1930 and continued for decades; his children's fiction was published about 70 years ago, and his writing is still relevant today with so much to offer current readers.

"Anyone who writes down to children is simply wasting his time. You have to write up, not down. Children are demanding. They are the most attentive, curious, eager, observant, sensitive, quick, and generally congenial readers on earth. They accept, almost without question, anything you present them with, as long as it is presented honestly, fearlessly, and clearly."

White expressed himself that way, honestly, fearlessly, and clearly, in all of his writing, and I always find something new in his honest clarity.

"We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or doing laundry."

Reading E.B. White's writing, whether it is essays, letters, or fiction, gives me joy and hope.

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14 people found this helpful

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Just the book needed for relaxing after Sherman's civil war memoirs.

Found this E.B.White freebie after 30 plus hours listening to Sherman's memoirs. If I suddenly lost my ability to read or listen, White's writings would be my choice before my downfall. There is no hubris, and if the reader has any, White will drain every bit out of you. Then inflate you with just the right amount of humility.
The arts are often an antidote for the shy at heart.

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3 people found this helpful

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Very Enjoyable.

These were wonderful. I enjoyed them so much. I highly recommend this audio book to anyone who wants a relaxing and entertaining listen.

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3 people found this helpful

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Things really haven't changed so much

Listening to E.B. White's essays was a good reminder that the world really hasn't changed that much over time. In these many essays, he talks of everything from dogs and birds to community concerns and politics. This was a pleasant departure from a focused storyline that allowed me to simply step back and hear reflections on the day-to-day things.

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2 people found this helpful

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No titles on chapters

Solid narration of timeless essays. My only complaint is that each track isn’t labeled with the essay name: instead it’s chapter numbers. And there’s no accompanying PDF.

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1 person found this helpful

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A Break from the Modern Age

Ably read by Malcolm Hillgartner, this collection of some of E.B. White’s essays is a mixed bag.

The first part, dealing with White’s life on his farm in Maine, may appeal to fans of James Herriot.

His essays covering politics are mainly of their time, although there is wisdom in them for those who choose to recognize it—not so much in his political positions, which have almost all become universally held—but in his tone. He lacks the viciousness that characterizes much of today’s arguments.

His autobiographical pieces are interesting, his nostalgic essays about the St. Nicholas Society and his favorite authority on birds are fairly dull.

What comes through most is his warmth and love for the world on its own terms, not a theoretical improved version, but just as he found it. His humor is gentle, tending more to the wry than the hilarious, and his tone is conversational and welcoming.

To sum up: the book is charming.

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Great writer read beautifully!

EB White has always been a treasure to read. This audiobook adds a wonderful reader able to bring out the full resonance and emotion of this remarkable man. Highest recommendation!

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a fun little book that gives you an appreciation

this book speaks about life in a different century for those who go into the 21st century should take heed to what it was like in the 19 hundreds EBY does a wonderful job and tells great stories recommend.

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A wonderful life.

Essays written by a master storyteller. Sophisticated yet down to earth, they are an absolute pleasure to listen to.

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Absolutely delightful!

I loved everything about this read, from story line to performance. This collection of essays reads like an autobiography and speaks of the author’s humanist values to his love of animals. I recommend this book for the lover of literature and those who hold values such as the equality of all humankind and like to hear it told so forthrightly, especially for the time period in which the stories are told. The performance was simply wonderful. Highly recommend!

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