Ponkapog Papers By: Thomas Bailey Aldrich (1836-1907)
Ponkapog Papers by Thomas Bailey Aldrich is a delightful collection of short stories and sketches that transport readers to the fictional village of Ponkapog, located just outside of Boston. Aldrich's ability to paint vivid pictures with his words and breathe life into his characters is commendable. Set in the mid-19th century, Ponkapog Papers captivates with its nostalgic charm and gentle humor. Aldrich's descriptions of the village and its inhabitants are so vivid that readers can almost feel the crisp New England air and hear the rustling of leaves. From the quirky town characters to the charming scenery, Aldrich's attention to detail creates an immersive reading experience. One of the book's key strengths lies in Aldrich's knack for storytelling. Each story is its own stand-alone piece, yet they are all connected through the unique voice of the narrator. Through a blend of wit, satire, and a touch of whimsy, Aldrich explores the idiosyncrasies of village life, human nature, and the absurdities of daily existence. Readers will find themselves chuckling at the author's humorous observations on various topics, from village gossip to the quirks of the modern world. The characters that populate Ponkapog Papers are thoroughly captivating. From the charismatic old Major to the enigmatic Madame Liberality, Aldrich's characterization is nuanced and memorable. The diversity of personalities lends itself well to the variety of stories in the collection, ensuring that readers never grow bored. One aspect that readers may find slightly challenging is the occasionally outdated language and cultural references. Aldrich's writing reflects the time period in which it was written, and some references may be unfamiliar to modern readers. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the stories. Overall, Ponkapog Papers is a delightful read for those seeking a journey back in time to a simpler era. Thomas Bailey Aldrich's gift for storytelling and his ability to transport readers to the charming village of Ponkapog make this collection a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf. Whether you are a lover of classic literature or simply in search of an enjoyable and amusing read, Ponkapog Papers is sure to capture your heart. First Page: PONKAPOG PAPERS By Thomas Bailey Aldrich TO FRANCIS BARTLETT THESE miscellaneous notes and essays are called Ponkapog Papers not simply because they chanced, for the most part, to be written within the limits of the old Indian Reservation, but, rather, because there is something typical of their unpretentiousness in the modesty with which Ponkapog assumes to being even a village. The little Massachusetts settlement, nestled under the wing of the Blue Hills, has no illusions concerning itself, never mistakes the cackle of the bourg for the sound that echoes round the world, and no more thinks of rivalling great centres of human activity than these slight papers dream of inviting comparison between themselves and important pieces of literature. Therefore there seems something especially appropriate in the geographical title selected, and if the author's choice of name need further excuse, it is to be found in the alluring alliteration lying ready at his hand. REDMAN FARM, Ponkapog , 1903. CONTENTS LEAVES FROM A NOTE BOOK ASIDES TOM FOLIO FLEABODY AND OTHER QUEER NAMES A NOTE ON "L'AIGLON" PLOT AND CHARACTER THE CRUELTY OF SCIENCE LEIGH HUNT AND BARRY CORNWALL DECORATION DAY WRITERS AND TALKERS ON EARLY RISING UN POETE MANQUE THE MALE COSTUME OF THE PERIOD ON A CERTAIN AFFECTATION WISHMAKERS' TOWN HISTORICAL NOVELS POOR YORICK THE AUTOGRAPH HUNTER ROBERT HERRICK LEAVES FROM A NOTE BOOK IN his Memoirs, Kropotkin states the singular fact that the natives of the Malayan Archipelago have an idea that something is extracted from them when their likenesses are taken by photography... Continue reading book >>

Ponkapog Papers By: Thomas Bailey Aldrich (1836-1907)

Ponkapog Papers by Thomas Bailey Aldrich is a delightful collection of short stories and sketches that transport readers to the fictional village of Ponkapog, located just outside of Boston. Aldrich's ability to paint vivid pictures with his words and breathe life into his characters is commendable.

Set in the mid-19th century, Ponkapog Papers captivates with its nostalgic charm and gentle humor. Aldrich's descriptions of the village and its inhabitants are so vivid that readers can almost feel the crisp New England air and hear the rustling of leaves. From the quirky town characters to the charming scenery, Aldrich's attention to detail creates an immersive reading experience.

One of the book's key strengths lies in Aldrich's knack for storytelling. Each story is its own stand-alone piece, yet they are all connected through the unique voice of the narrator. Through a blend of wit, satire, and a touch of whimsy, Aldrich explores the idiosyncrasies of village life, human nature, and the absurdities of daily existence. Readers will find themselves chuckling at the author's humorous observations on various topics, from village gossip to the quirks of the modern world.

The characters that populate Ponkapog Papers are thoroughly captivating. From the charismatic old Major to the enigmatic Madame Liberality, Aldrich's characterization is nuanced and memorable. The diversity of personalities lends itself well to the variety of stories in the collection, ensuring that readers never grow bored.

One aspect that readers may find slightly challenging is the occasionally outdated language and cultural references. Aldrich's writing reflects the time period in which it was written, and some references may be unfamiliar to modern readers. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the stories.

Overall, Ponkapog Papers is a delightful read for those seeking a journey back in time to a simpler era. Thomas Bailey Aldrich's gift for storytelling and his ability to transport readers to the charming village of Ponkapog make this collection a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf. Whether you are a lover of classic literature or simply in search of an enjoyable and amusing read, Ponkapog Papers is sure to capture your heart.

First Page:

PONKAPOG PAPERS

By Thomas Bailey Aldrich

TO FRANCIS BARTLETT

THESE miscellaneous notes and essays are called Ponkapog Papers not simply because they chanced, for the most part, to be written within the limits of the old Indian Reservation, but, rather, because there is something typical of their unpretentiousness in the modesty with which Ponkapog assumes to being even a village. The little Massachusetts settlement, nestled under the wing of the Blue Hills, has no illusions concerning itself, never mistakes the cackle of the bourg for the sound that echoes round the world, and no more thinks of rivalling great centres of human activity than these slight papers dream of inviting comparison between themselves and important pieces of literature. Therefore there seems something especially appropriate in the geographical title selected, and if the author's choice of name need further excuse, it is to be found in the alluring alliteration lying ready at his hand.

REDMAN FARM, Ponkapog , 1903.

CONTENTS

LEAVES FROM A NOTE BOOK

ASIDES

TOM FOLIO

FLEABODY AND OTHER QUEER NAMES

A NOTE ON "L'AIGLON"

PLOT AND CHARACTER

THE CRUELTY OF SCIENCE

LEIGH HUNT AND BARRY CORNWALL

DECORATION DAY

WRITERS AND TALKERS

ON EARLY RISING

UN POETE MANQUE

THE MALE COSTUME OF THE PERIOD

ON A CERTAIN AFFECTATION

WISHMAKERS' TOWN

HISTORICAL NOVELS

POOR YORICK

THE AUTOGRAPH HUNTER

ROBERT HERRICK

LEAVES FROM A NOTE BOOK

IN his Memoirs, Kropotkin states the singular fact that the natives of the Malayan Archipelago have an idea that something is extracted from them when their likenesses are taken by photography... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Essay/Short nonfiction
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Thomas Bailey Aldrich
Wikipedia – Ponkapog Papers

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac