I am starting to chew on "Toxophilus in Arcadia" by Maurice Thompson. Cliff Huntington (Liquid Amber) has compiled unpublished essays into some of the most enjoyable reading I have had in some time.
Maurice talks of the same things that I marvel at today, and the woods and swamps come alive with sound, sight and smell. A captivating glimpse into woods life in the middle 1800s, I enjoy reading both the adventures and Maurice's thoughts concerning his own activities and others' interpretations as they join him in his travels.
As always, I am impressed by the skillful writing, and the crafting of words that infused even casual conversation of the day. It reflects a wide base of knowledge, and an elevation of language that transcends the mere conveying of facts, which sadly, seems the trend today.
(Just seems thoughtier, is all.
)
Whether you are a reveler in words or action, though, you will get a thrill walking beside our old friend as he shares the feel of a stout bow, the thump of the string, and the whizzing flight of a hopeful arrow.
Killdeer