Warwick Woodlands Things as they Were There Twenty Years Ago   By: Henry William Herbert (1807-1858)

Warwick Woodlands Things as they Were There Twenty Years Ago is a captivating memoir by Henry William Herbert that takes readers on a remarkable journey back in time. Impeccably written with vivid descriptions and a keen eye for detail, this book offers a nostalgic trip to the Warwick Woodlands region in upstate New York as it was two decades prior.

Herbert's talent for storytelling shines through as he introduces us to a cast of intriguing characters who bring the Woodlands to life. From the enigmatic but knowledgeable woodsmen to the hardworking farmers and curious settlers, each individual adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Through their stories, the author paints a rich picture of the community, revealing the struggles, joys, and everyday adventures of the people who inhabited this beautiful landscape.

What sets this memoir apart is Herbert's ability to incorporate nature and the environment into the narrative as a prominent character. The author's deep connection with the Woodlands is palpable, as he delves into its natural wonders with eloquence and reverence. We are transported to lush forests teeming with unique flora and fauna, serene lakes reflecting the sky, and rolling hills that seem to whisper tales of a bygone era. Through his careful observations, Herbert showcases the profound impact of the wilderness on the lives of its inhabitants.

Moreover, Warwick Woodlands Things as they Were There Twenty Years Ago offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs and traditions of a specific time in history. The author masterfully captures the ethos of the mid-19th century, providing readers with an immersive experience in a world long gone. Herbert's attention to historical accuracy is commendable, and his vivid portrayal of daily life, celebrations, and struggles adds a layer of authenticity that draws readers in.

While this memoir is undeniably captivating, it must be noted that it reflects the social norms and attitudes of its time. Some readers may find certain perspectives and language outdated or even offensive. However, it is essential to approach the book with an understanding of the historical context in which it was written, appreciating it for its accurate portrayal of that era rather than imposing contemporary values upon it.

Overall, Warwick Woodlands Things as they Were There Twenty Years Ago is a remarkable memoir that transports readers to a time and place that no longer exists. Henry William Herbert's eloquence and storytelling prowess make this book a true gem for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its rich descriptions, compelling characters, and a poignant connection to the land, this memoir is a testament to the enduring power of memory and the importance of preserving stories from the past.

First Page:

It was a fine October evening when I was sitting on the back stoop of his cheerful little bachelor's establishment in Mercer street, with my old friend and comrade, Henry Archer. Many a frown of fortune had we two weathered out together; in many of her brightest smiles had we two reveled never was there a stauncher friend, a merrier companion, a keener sportsman, or a better fellow, than this said Harry; and here had we two met, three thousand miles from home, after almost ten years of separation, just the same careless, happy, dare all do no goods that we were when we parted in St. James's street, he for the West, I for the Eastern World he to fell trees, and build log huts in the backwoods of Canada, I to shoot tigers and drink arrack punch in the Carnatic. The world had wagged with us as with most others: now up, now down, and laid us to, at last, far enough from the goal for which we started so that, as I have said already, on landing in New York, having heard nothing of him for ten years, whom the deuce should I tumble on but that same worthy, snugly housed, with a neat bachelor's menage, and every thing ship shape about him? So, in the natural course of things, we were at once inseparables... Continue reading book >>