Any Day

By Henry Mitchell

Book Overview

"These essays have such charm and perfection of style that reading them gives me a greater sense of well-being than the pills I occasionally take for my back. And that is powerful medicine." -Katherine A. Powers, Boston Globe ". . . a graceful and gracious observer of the human condition." -Wilson Quarterly " . . . will give more lasting pleasure than anything currently on the nonfiction bestseller list. . . . This is a wonderful book, made even more so by the pen-and-ink drawings of Mitchell's longtime illustrator, artist Susan Davis." -Michael Dirda, Washington Post Book World "Now . . . I can have my Mitchell seven days a week and twice on Sundays without fussing (all-thumbs Mitchell fashion) with microfiche reels." -Indianapolis Star "This is a stimulating collection of essays by a man who had something to say and knew how to say it well." -Library Journal " . . . superb . . . acute observations by a writer whose sharp eye and grace with words are a blessing to those fortunate enough to read them." -Publishers Weekly "This man's place in the wilder, more creative confines of journalism is secure. This man's voice will never die. This man's voice will resound forever." -Benjamin Bradlee, The Washington Post Best known for his gardening columns in the Washington Post, some of which were gathered in two famous books, The Essential Earthman and One Man's Garden, Henry Mitchell (who died in 1993) also wrote feature stories and for years had a general interest column called "Any Day." This new book collects the most enduring of those popular columns as well as some of the most memorable features from this great writer.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0253333083
• ISBN13: 9780253333087
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (Ips)
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 9.5"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Class without pretension

It is unfortunate indeed that such a fine volume boasts just two prior reviews.One needs only to read an essay or two of those collected here to see that Mr. Mitchell was a well-educated, fully informed individual. But his ability to write in a voice that transcended his obviously cultured status, to make his points accessible to people of all backgrounds in a thoughtful, mannerly, and humorous -- always humorous -- style, is an ability his modern-day contemporaries would be smart to emulate. (Are you listening, Maureen Dowd?? Oh, forgive me -- why would we expect you to start now?)Still, Mitchell's discretion could give way to much stronger sounding of his opinion, and flat-out satire that was without peer. Even when it did, Mitchell managed to maintain the tone of rationality and etiquette which was the underpinning of all his work, and which is sadly lacking on today's op-ed pages. This indefinable quality -- and the sheer quality of the writing itself -- sets Mitchell's work apart.

Great quirky essays

I love this book. Mitchell is unfortunately dead, but when alive he could write like an angel. A random example: "No man is a hero while brushing his teeth or clipping hair out of his ears. He needs some kind of warning that this is the moment to act." He shares himself (a locution he might mock)as he observes the passing world. If you enjoy E.B. White or Russell Baker, buy this book.

Truly witty, truly wise, a distinctive, insightful voice.

Beloved of all long-time Washington Post readers, Henry Mitchell covered everything from his hound to the Mapplethorpe exhibit with wisdom, humor, and profound insight. This is a selection of some of the best of his Any Day columns. Never preaching, but always with a point, Mitchell's writing is so personal that thousands who never met him felt his death as the loss of a wise and compassionate friend. You will laugh, cry, and rejoice that you have met him here. The Christmas Eve battle between the Altar Guild and the Ushers is by itself worth the price of the book. This, and the two collections of his Earthman (gardening) columns, are books to read and re-read.