Short Nonfiction Collection, Vol. 059 by Various is a thought-provoking and diverse collection of essays that covers a wide range of topics. From personal reflections on nature and everyday life to insightful pieces on history and society, this anthology offers something for every reader.

One standout essay in this collection is a poignant reflection on grief and loss, which delves into the complexities of mourning and healing. The author's raw honesty and vulnerability make this piece particularly powerful and moving.

Another highlight is an essay that discusses the impact of technology on modern society. The author presents compelling arguments about the consequences of our reliance on digital devices and social media, prompting readers to consider their own relationship with technology.

Overall, Short Nonfiction Collection, Vol. 059 is a captivating read that showcases the talent and diversity of the writers featured in this anthology. Each essay offers a unique perspective and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. I highly recommend this collection to anyone interested in exploring a wide range of topics through the lens of nonfiction writing.

Book Description:
Sixteen short nonfiction works in the public domain, independently chosen by the readers. Volume 59 contains an eclectic mix of readings, ranging from a description of a Coney Island elephant colossus to meditations on mental telepathy and baseball. Philosophical essays by Leibniz, Kierkegaard, Schopenhauer, Francis Bacon and William Blake touch on the topics of truth, prejudice, poetic genius, suicide, and preparation for a Christian life. An educator at a women's college in the early 1920's bemoans the decline in the way high school girls dress for school and recommends a "serge jumper dress, made with a washable under blouse." In the same span of years, a female reporter, going undercover to research conditions in the Detroit House of Corrections has herself arrested and is "stripped to the skin and searched for narcotics" and then made to don prison garb: "a faded gingham coverall, prison-made and drab." A medical doctor, writing in the 1870's, examines the connection between clean living and longevity, while a historian discusses how slave labor was employed in the salines of Southern Illinois. Native American Indian speech patterns are explored in an essay on the evolution of language, while a a chapter from a children's science book explains what happens "when the dew falls." Lastly, a spirited defense of the Bodleian as a research institution rather than a circulating library rounds out this volume of the nonfiction collection. Preparation for a Christian Life III was translated by Lee M. Hollander.