Joyous Gard   By: Arthur Christopher Benson (1862-1925)

Joyous Gard by Arthur Christopher Benson is an enchanting and thought-provoking piece of literature that takes readers on a captivating journey through the hidden realms of magic, dreams, and self-discovery. Written in a poetic and lyrical style, this book explores the power of imagination and the ability to find joy amidst the trials and tribulations of life.

The story revolves around the protagonist, who sets out on a quest to find Joyous Gard, a mythical garden that is said to hold the key to eternal happiness. Along the way, the protagonist encounters a diverse cast of characters, each possessing their own unique talents and wisdom. Through their trials and conversations, the beauty of friendship, love, and compassion is revealed, teaching the reader valuable lessons about the human spirit.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the author's ability to create vivid and atmospheric descriptions. The imagery presented throughout the narrative transports the reader to ethereal landscapes, where they can practically feel the soft whispers of the wind and smell the fragrant flowers. Benson's skillful use of language and descriptive prose immerses the reader fully into the story, making it a truly captivating experience.

Furthermore, the underlying themes and philosophical ponderings explored in Joyous Gard add depth and complexity to the narrative. Benson explores the meaning of happiness, the pursuit of dreams, and the importance of self-reflection. Through the allegorical nature of the plot, readers are encouraged to delve into their own lives, questioning what truly brings them joy and how they can cultivate that joy on their own personal journeys.

While Joyous Gard may not be a widely known or frequently referenced piece of literature, it is certainly a hidden gem that deserves recognition. Arthur Christopher Benson's writing style is reminiscent of the classic authors of the early 20th century, making this book a delightful read for anyone who appreciates literary works that inspire contemplation and evoke emotions.

In conclusion, Joyous Gard is a beautifully crafted novel that invites readers to embark on an enchanting adventure, filled with profound insights and a sense of wonderment. Benson's writing is eloquent and evocative, allowing readers to lose themselves within the depths of their own imaginations. This book serves as a reminder that joy can be found in the most unexpected places, urging us to embrace life's challenges with hope and find the beauty in every moment.

First Page:

It is a harder thing than it ought to be to write openly and frankly of things private and sacred. "Secretum meum mihi!" "My secret is my own!" cried St. Francis in a harrowed moment. But I believe that the instinct to guard and hoard the inner life is one that ought to be resisted. Secrecy seems to me now a very uncivilised kind of virtue, after all! We have all of us, or most of us, a quiet current of intimate thought, which flows on, gently and resistlessly, in the background of our lives, the volume and spring of which we cannot alter or diminish, because it rises far away at some unseen source, like a stream which flows through grassy pastures, and is fed by rain which falls on unknown hills from the clouds of heaven. This inner thought is hardly affected by the busy incidents of life our work, our engagements, our public intercourse; but because it represents the self which we are always alone with, it makes up the greater part of our life, and is much more our real and true life than the life which we lead in public. It contains the things which we feel and hope, rather than what we say; and the fact that we do not speak our inner thoughts is what more than anything else keeps us apart from each other... Continue reading book >>