The Professor at the Breakfast-Table By: Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
Oliver Wendell Holmes, a renowned American poet and essayist, presents readers with a unique and captivating literary journey in his masterpiece, The Professor at the Breakfast-Table. Through his engaging and thought-provoking prose, Holmes offers a glimpse into the musings and conversations shared at a common breakfast table, where an eclectic group of characters engage in a series of profound discussions. The book masterfully captures the essence of human nature and the intricacies of the human mind. Like a fly on the wall, readers are afforded the opportunity to eavesdrop on the intellectual interactions between the characters, as well as witness the thought process of the protagonist, the Professor himself. Holmes skillfully presents a wide range of topics, prompting readers to contemplate and reflect on various aspects of life, such as love, religion, society, and human existence. One of the standout features of this book is the diverse cast of characters, each representing a distinct viewpoint and personality. Through the Professor's observations and clever anecdotes, Holmes creates a rich tapestry of individuals, each contributing their own unique perspectives to the discussions. The characters' conversations are presented in a casual and conversational manner, making them relatable and inviting readers to participate mentally, further enhancing the reading experience. Furthermore, Holmes employs his sharp wit and clever wordplay to enrich the narrative. He seamlessly weaves profound philosophical ideas with humor, resulting in a balanced and engaging discourse. The combination of intellectual depth and lightheartedness creates a vibrant and captivating reading experience, ensuring that readers remain invested throughout. In addition to its intellectual depth and enjoyable writing style, The Professor at the Breakfast-Table offers readers a glimpse into the historical context of the period in which it was written. Holmes' sharp observations on society and the prevailing attitudes of the time provide readers with a unique lens through which to view the world of 19th-century America. This perspective adds an additional layer of depth, making the book not only an intellectually stimulating read but also a valuable historical document. The only minor criticism one might have is that the book lacks a clear narrative structure. The loosely connected anecdotes and conversations may occasionally leave readers longing for a more cohesive storyline. However, it is this very meandering quality that allows readers to savor the book's philosophical discussions at their own pace, ultimately leaving a lasting impression. In conclusion, The Professor at the Breakfast-Table is a masterful work of literature that combines intellectual rigor, captivating characters, and thought-provoking discussions. Oliver Wendell Holmes, with his unique style and wit, crafts a book that transcends its time and speaks to readers of all eras. Engaging and enlightening, this book is sure to captivate anyone seeking intellectual stimulation and a delightful reading experience. First Page: THE PROFESSOR AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE by Oliver Wendell Holmes PREFACE TO REVISED EDITION. The reader of to day will not forget, I trust, that it is nearly a quarter of a century since these papers were written. Statements which were true then are not necessarily true now. Thus, the speed of the trotting horse has been so much developed that the record of the year when the fastest time to that date was given must be very considerably altered, as may be seen by referring to a note on page 49 of the "Autocrat." No doubt many other statements and opinions might be more or less modified if I were writing today instead of having written before the war, when the world and I were both more than a score of years younger. These papers followed close upon the track of the "Autocrat." They had to endure the trial to which all second comers are subjected, which is a formidable ordeal for the least as well as the greatest. Paradise Regained and the Second Part of Faust are examples which are enough to warn every one who has made a jingle fair hit with his arrow of the danger of missing when he looses "his fellow of the selfsame flight." There is good reason why it should be so. The first juice that runs of itself from the grapes comes from the heart of the fruit, and tastes of the pulp only; when the grapes are squeezed in the press the flow betrays the flavor of the skin... Continue reading book >>

The Professor at the Breakfast-Table By: Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)

Oliver Wendell Holmes, a renowned American poet and essayist, presents readers with a unique and captivating literary journey in his masterpiece, The Professor at the Breakfast-Table. Through his engaging and thought-provoking prose, Holmes offers a glimpse into the musings and conversations shared at a common breakfast table, where an eclectic group of characters engage in a series of profound discussions.

The book masterfully captures the essence of human nature and the intricacies of the human mind. Like a fly on the wall, readers are afforded the opportunity to eavesdrop on the intellectual interactions between the characters, as well as witness the thought process of the protagonist, the Professor himself. Holmes skillfully presents a wide range of topics, prompting readers to contemplate and reflect on various aspects of life, such as love, religion, society, and human existence.

One of the standout features of this book is the diverse cast of characters, each representing a distinct viewpoint and personality. Through the Professor's observations and clever anecdotes, Holmes creates a rich tapestry of individuals, each contributing their own unique perspectives to the discussions. The characters' conversations are presented in a casual and conversational manner, making them relatable and inviting readers to participate mentally, further enhancing the reading experience.

Furthermore, Holmes employs his sharp wit and clever wordplay to enrich the narrative. He seamlessly weaves profound philosophical ideas with humor, resulting in a balanced and engaging discourse. The combination of intellectual depth and lightheartedness creates a vibrant and captivating reading experience, ensuring that readers remain invested throughout.

In addition to its intellectual depth and enjoyable writing style, The Professor at the Breakfast-Table offers readers a glimpse into the historical context of the period in which it was written. Holmes' sharp observations on society and the prevailing attitudes of the time provide readers with a unique lens through which to view the world of 19th-century America. This perspective adds an additional layer of depth, making the book not only an intellectually stimulating read but also a valuable historical document.

The only minor criticism one might have is that the book lacks a clear narrative structure. The loosely connected anecdotes and conversations may occasionally leave readers longing for a more cohesive storyline. However, it is this very meandering quality that allows readers to savor the book's philosophical discussions at their own pace, ultimately leaving a lasting impression.

In conclusion, The Professor at the Breakfast-Table is a masterful work of literature that combines intellectual rigor, captivating characters, and thought-provoking discussions. Oliver Wendell Holmes, with his unique style and wit, crafts a book that transcends its time and speaks to readers of all eras. Engaging and enlightening, this book is sure to captivate anyone seeking intellectual stimulation and a delightful reading experience.

First Page:

THE PROFESSOR AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE

by Oliver Wendell Holmes

PREFACE TO REVISED EDITION.

The reader of to day will not forget, I trust, that it is nearly a quarter of a century since these papers were written. Statements which were true then are not necessarily true now. Thus, the speed of the trotting horse has been so much developed that the record of the year when the fastest time to that date was given must be very considerably altered, as may be seen by referring to a note on page 49 of the "Autocrat." No doubt many other statements and opinions might be more or less modified if I were writing today instead of having written before the war, when the world and I were both more than a score of years younger.

These papers followed close upon the track of the "Autocrat." They had to endure the trial to which all second comers are subjected, which is a formidable ordeal for the least as well as the greatest. Paradise Regained and the Second Part of Faust are examples which are enough to warn every one who has made a jingle fair hit with his arrow of the danger of missing when he looses "his fellow of the selfsame flight."

There is good reason why it should be so. The first juice that runs of itself from the grapes comes from the heart of the fruit, and tastes of the pulp only; when the grapes are squeezed in the press the flow betrays the flavor of the skin... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Poetry

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