Eric, or Little by Little By: Frederic W. Farrar (1831-1903)
In this thought-provoking coming-of-age story, author Frederic W. Farrar dives deep into the struggles and moral dilemmas faced by young Eric throughout his journey from childhood into adolescence. With its publication in 1858, "Eric, or Little by Little" quickly struck a chord with readers due to its relatable themes and evocative storytelling. The plot of the book centers around Eric Williams, a seemingly ordinary schoolboy trying to find his place in the world. As the story unfolds, Farrar unapologetically delves into various aspects of Eric's life, from his friendships and academic pursuits to his relationship with his family. While initially appearing as somewhat of a model student, Eric's character slowly unravels, revealing the deeper, darker conflicts at play. Farrar skillfully captures the tumultuous emotional landscape of adolescence. Through Eric's experiences, the author highlights the significance of our choices, the consequences they carry, and the battles between right and wrong that shape our character. This introspective exploration makes "Eric, or Little by Little" not only a story of personal growth but also a thought-provoking examination of the human condition. One of the book's strengths lies in Farrar's ability to create authentic and relatable characters. Eric, in particular, stands out as a believable and flawed protagonist. As readers witness the gradual shift in his behavior, we become aware of the tragic consequences that emerge from his poor decision-making. This aspect offers valuable insights into the complexities and vulnerabilities of youth, making the story captivating and compelling. Additionally, Farrar's deliberate insertion of moral and religious elements gives the book a distinctive tone. The narrative incorporates Christian values and teachings, exploring the importance of faith, virtue, and redemption. While some readers may find this emphasis overly didactic, it undoubtedly adds depth and significance to the story, encouraging contemplation on personal responsibility and the consequences of one's actions. One minor drawback of the novel is its occasionally slow pace. Farrar meticulously builds tension and sets the stage for pivotal moments, resulting in intermittent lulls in the plot. However, these can be easily overlooked, as they contribute to the ultimate impact of the story's powerful climax. Overall, "Eric, or Little by Little" is an engrossing and thought-provoking novel that resonates with readers, no matter their age. Through the journey of Eric Williams, Farrar masterfully captures the universal challenges faced by young individuals as they navigate the complexities of morality and personal growth. Rich with compelling characters, moral quandaries, and a profound exploration of faith, this book remains a classic in the genre of coming-of-age literature. First Page: Eric, or Little by Little, by Rev Canon F.W. Farrar. This famous book tells the story of a boy at a boarding school on the Isle of Man, which lies between England and Ireland, and within sight of Scotland. The boy succumbs to various forms of ill behaviour, with illicit trips to a bar in the near by town. There are various scary episodes. Overcome with shame at something he has done Eric runs away to sea, which he finds so horrible an experience that when he is next in England he jumps ship, makes his way home, by now very ill, and dies. Author's Preface (Farrar was Headmaster of Marlborough College). The story of `Eric' was written with but one single object the vivid inculcation of inward purity and moral purpose, by the history of a boy who, in spite of the inherent nobleness of his disposition, falls into all folly and wickedness, until he has learnt to seek help from above. I am deeply thankful to know from testimony public and private, anonymous and acknowledged that this object has, by God's blessing, been fulfilled. The fact that new editions are still called for thirty one years after its publication, shows, I trust, that the story has been found to be of real use. I have not thought it right to alter in any way the style or structure of the narrative, but I have so far revised it as to remove a few of the minor blemishes... Continue reading book >>

Eric, or Little by Little By: Frederic W. Farrar (1831-1903)

In this thought-provoking coming-of-age story, author Frederic W. Farrar dives deep into the struggles and moral dilemmas faced by young Eric throughout his journey from childhood into adolescence. With its publication in 1858, "Eric, or Little by Little" quickly struck a chord with readers due to its relatable themes and evocative storytelling.

The plot of the book centers around Eric Williams, a seemingly ordinary schoolboy trying to find his place in the world. As the story unfolds, Farrar unapologetically delves into various aspects of Eric's life, from his friendships and academic pursuits to his relationship with his family. While initially appearing as somewhat of a model student, Eric's character slowly unravels, revealing the deeper, darker conflicts at play.

Farrar skillfully captures the tumultuous emotional landscape of adolescence. Through Eric's experiences, the author highlights the significance of our choices, the consequences they carry, and the battles between right and wrong that shape our character. This introspective exploration makes "Eric, or Little by Little" not only a story of personal growth but also a thought-provoking examination of the human condition.

One of the book's strengths lies in Farrar's ability to create authentic and relatable characters. Eric, in particular, stands out as a believable and flawed protagonist. As readers witness the gradual shift in his behavior, we become aware of the tragic consequences that emerge from his poor decision-making. This aspect offers valuable insights into the complexities and vulnerabilities of youth, making the story captivating and compelling.

Additionally, Farrar's deliberate insertion of moral and religious elements gives the book a distinctive tone. The narrative incorporates Christian values and teachings, exploring the importance of faith, virtue, and redemption. While some readers may find this emphasis overly didactic, it undoubtedly adds depth and significance to the story, encouraging contemplation on personal responsibility and the consequences of one's actions.

One minor drawback of the novel is its occasionally slow pace. Farrar meticulously builds tension and sets the stage for pivotal moments, resulting in intermittent lulls in the plot. However, these can be easily overlooked, as they contribute to the ultimate impact of the story's powerful climax.

Overall, "Eric, or Little by Little" is an engrossing and thought-provoking novel that resonates with readers, no matter their age. Through the journey of Eric Williams, Farrar masterfully captures the universal challenges faced by young individuals as they navigate the complexities of morality and personal growth. Rich with compelling characters, moral quandaries, and a profound exploration of faith, this book remains a classic in the genre of coming-of-age literature.

First Page:

Eric, or Little by Little, by Rev Canon F.W. Farrar.

This famous book tells the story of a boy at a boarding school on the Isle of Man, which lies between England and Ireland, and within sight of Scotland. The boy succumbs to various forms of ill behaviour, with illicit trips to a bar in the near by town. There are various scary episodes. Overcome with shame at something he has done Eric runs away to sea, which he finds so horrible an experience that when he is next in England he jumps ship, makes his way home, by now very ill, and dies.

Author's Preface (Farrar was Headmaster of Marlborough College).

The story of `Eric' was written with but one single object the vivid inculcation of inward purity and moral purpose, by the history of a boy who, in spite of the inherent nobleness of his disposition, falls into all folly and wickedness, until he has learnt to seek help from above. I am deeply thankful to know from testimony public and private, anonymous and acknowledged that this object has, by God's blessing, been fulfilled.

The fact that new editions are still called for thirty one years after its publication, shows, I trust, that the story has been found to be of real use. I have not thought it right to alter in any way the style or structure of the narrative, but I have so far revised it as to remove a few of the minor blemishes... Continue reading book >>

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Fiction

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Wikipedia – Eric, or Little by Little

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