The book is a set of thirty assorted essays written to serve for delight, ornament or for ability. Apparently there is no subject from the stars in heaven to the dust-heap on earth which may not be dealt with in an essay. Naturally, topics discussed here are most heterogeneous, every topic seen as a blade of grass with a form, felicity and flavour of its own!
An essay is a thing one does oneself. The crux of the matter, therefore, is the charm of personality of the essayist. An essay, to be ideal, implies certain lightness and ease and a confidential relation between the author and the reader. The lovers of variety, vigour and vitality, whether in life or in literature, will welcome the collection so admirably strewn with warmth and colour.
