About this book
Days Off and Other Digressions by Henry Van Dyke sweeps listeners into a serene world of leisurely reflection, country rambles, and mild philosophical wit. Originally published in 1907, these essays—part travel sketch, part nature writing and part literary criticism—capture the turn-of-the-century American sensibility with gentle humour and precise observation. Van Dyke wanders from rivers and oaken glades to the Quantock Hills, turns an angler’s patience into an essay on time, and recalls books that shaped his boyhood, all while musing on gulls, Leviathan, and “the art of leaving off.” The prose is pastoral and convivial, alternating between anecdote and thoughtful digression, and the collection’s tone honors quiet pleasures: days off, holidays within vacations, and the small ethics of leisure. As essay/short nonfiction and literature, these pieces offer both warm storytelling and subtle critique, reflecting the social and cultural rhythms of early 20th-century America. This audiobook is ideal for listeners who love classic essays, nature writing, and reflective short nonfiction—perfect for relaxed commutes, evening listening, or anyone craving calm, cultivated company on a day off.
