Essays on Things

By William Lyon Phelps

Book Overview

"Essays on Things" is a charming and insightful collection of prose from the renowned American critic and Yale professor William Lyon Phelps. This work captures Phelps at his most observant and accessible, presenting a series of informal essays that find the extraordinary within the ordinary. Moving through various subjects with grace and humor, the author reflects on the objects, ideas, and experiences that shape the human condition. Phelps's signature style-characterized by warmth, wit, and a genuine love for literature-shines through each piece, offering readers a window into the intellectual life of the early 20th century.

The collection explores themes of culture, education, and the simple joys of life, making it a quintessential example of the familiar essay. Whether discussing books, travel, or the nuances of daily routine, Phelps provides a thoughtful commentary that encourages readers to look more closely at their own surroundings. "Essays on Things" is more than a mere miscellany; it is an invitation to engage with the world through the eyes of one of America's most beloved literary figures. This volume is an ideal choice for enthusiasts of classic American letters and those who appreciate the art of the well-crafted observation.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025459326
• ISBN13: 9781025459325
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"