Love's Meinie Three Lectures on Greek and English Birds By: John Ruskin (1819-1900)
Love’s Meinie: Three Lectures on Greek and English Birds by John Ruskin is an absolute gem for nature enthusiasts and avian lovers. This beautifully crafted collection of lectures offers readers an insightful glimpse into Ruskin’s profound observations and musings on birds. The book comprises of three lectures, each one delving into the wonders of nature from a unique perspective. Ruskin seamlessly weaves together his love for classical Greek literature and his keen observations of English birdlife. His deep appreciation for both the physical and metaphorical aspects of birds is evident throughout the book. One of the standout aspects of Love’s Meinie is Ruskin’s ability to draw parallels between ancient Greek literature and the behavior of birds. He convincingly argues that Greek poets and philosophers often used birds as symbols and metaphors in their works. Ruskin’s examination of these connections offers a fresh perspective on the insights that birds can provide about human emotions, concepts, and even society. His writing style is as poetic as the subject matter itself. Ruskin’s prose is a delight to read, with vivid and evocative descriptions painting a clear picture of the birds in question. He expertly captures their beauty, grace, and even their behavioral patterns. His detailed and nuanced observations of each bird species make it apparent that Ruskin has spent countless hours studying and understanding them at every level. As the reader delves deeper into the lectures, it becomes clear that Love’s Meinie is not merely a love letter to birds, but also a call for environmental awareness. Ruskin’s passion for preserving and appreciating nature shines through his words. He eloquently expresses the need for humans to establish a harmonious relationship with the natural world, emphasizing the inherent connection between human beings and the rest of the animal kingdom. While Love’s Meinie may not be a book for everyone, especially those who are not interested in ornithology or classical literature, it is undoubtedly a significant contribution to the field. Ruskin’s unique and enlightening exploration of birds and their symbolic significance adds depth to our understanding of both nature and human culture. In conclusion, Love’s Meinie: Three Lectures on Greek and English Birds is a masterful work that beautifully combines classical literature, ornithology, and environmental advocacy. Ruskin’s profound insights, poetic prose, and profound love for the avian world make this book a captivating read for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature and the connections between different forms of life. First Page: LOVE'S MEINIE. THREE LECTURES ON GREEK AND ENGLISH BIRDS. By JOHN RUSKIN, LL.D., D.C.L. HONORARY STUDENT OF CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD; AND HONORARY FELLOW OF CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, OXFORD THIRD EDITION GEORGE ALLEN, SUNNYSIDE, ORPINGTON AND 156, CHARING CROSS ROAD, LONDON 1897 [ All rights reserved ] CONTENTS. PAGE PREFACE v LECTURE I. THE ROBIN 1 LECTURE II. THE SWALLOW 25 LECTURE III. THE DABCHICKS 52 APPENDIX 107 PREFACE. BRANTWOOD, 9 th June , 1881. Quarter past five, morning. The birds chirping feebly, mostly chaffinches answering each other, the rest discomposed, I fancy, by the June snow;[1] the lake neither smooth nor rippled, but like a surface of perfectly bright glass, ill cast; the lines of wave few and irregular, like flaws in the planes of a fine crystal. [1] The summits of the Old Man, of Wetherlam, and Helvellyn, were all white, on the morning when this was written. I see this book was begun eight years ago; then intended to contain only four Oxford lectures: but the said lectures also 'intended' to contain the cream of forty volumes of scientific ornithology... Continue reading book >>

Love's Meinie Three Lectures on Greek and English Birds By: John Ruskin (1819-1900)

Love’s Meinie: Three Lectures on Greek and English Birds by John Ruskin is an absolute gem for nature enthusiasts and avian lovers. This beautifully crafted collection of lectures offers readers an insightful glimpse into Ruskin’s profound observations and musings on birds.

The book comprises of three lectures, each one delving into the wonders of nature from a unique perspective. Ruskin seamlessly weaves together his love for classical Greek literature and his keen observations of English birdlife. His deep appreciation for both the physical and metaphorical aspects of birds is evident throughout the book.

One of the standout aspects of Love’s Meinie is Ruskin’s ability to draw parallels between ancient Greek literature and the behavior of birds. He convincingly argues that Greek poets and philosophers often used birds as symbols and metaphors in their works. Ruskin’s examination of these connections offers a fresh perspective on the insights that birds can provide about human emotions, concepts, and even society.

His writing style is as poetic as the subject matter itself. Ruskin’s prose is a delight to read, with vivid and evocative descriptions painting a clear picture of the birds in question. He expertly captures their beauty, grace, and even their behavioral patterns. His detailed and nuanced observations of each bird species make it apparent that Ruskin has spent countless hours studying and understanding them at every level.

As the reader delves deeper into the lectures, it becomes clear that Love’s Meinie is not merely a love letter to birds, but also a call for environmental awareness. Ruskin’s passion for preserving and appreciating nature shines through his words. He eloquently expresses the need for humans to establish a harmonious relationship with the natural world, emphasizing the inherent connection between human beings and the rest of the animal kingdom.

While Love’s Meinie may not be a book for everyone, especially those who are not interested in ornithology or classical literature, it is undoubtedly a significant contribution to the field. Ruskin’s unique and enlightening exploration of birds and their symbolic significance adds depth to our understanding of both nature and human culture.

In conclusion, Love’s Meinie: Three Lectures on Greek and English Birds is a masterful work that beautifully combines classical literature, ornithology, and environmental advocacy. Ruskin’s profound insights, poetic prose, and profound love for the avian world make this book a captivating read for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature and the connections between different forms of life.

First Page:

LOVE'S MEINIE.

THREE LECTURES ON GREEK AND ENGLISH BIRDS.

JOHN RUSKIN, LL.D., D.C.L.

HONORARY STUDENT OF CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD; AND HONORARY FELLOW OF CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, OXFORD

THIRD EDITION

GEORGE ALLEN, SUNNYSIDE, ORPINGTON AND 156, CHARING CROSS ROAD, LONDON

1897

CONTENTS.

PAGE

PREFACE v

LECTURE I. THE ROBIN 1

LECTURE II. THE SWALLOW 25

LECTURE III. THE DABCHICKS 52

APPENDIX 107

PREFACE.

BRANTWOOD, 9 th June , 1881.

Quarter past five, morning.

The birds chirping feebly, mostly chaffinches answering each other, the rest discomposed, I fancy, by the June snow;[1] the lake neither smooth nor rippled, but like a surface of perfectly bright glass, ill cast; the lines of wave few and irregular, like flaws in the planes of a fine crystal.

[1] The summits of the Old Man, of Wetherlam, and Helvellyn, were all white, on the morning when this was written.

I see this book was begun eight years ago; then intended to contain only four Oxford lectures: but the said lectures also 'intended' to contain the cream of forty volumes of scientific ornithology... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Science
Art

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