Nature and Human Nature

"Nature and Human Nature" by Thomas Chandler Haliburton is a narrative collection written in the mid-19th century. The book centers around the misadventures and reflections of Sam Slick, the Clockmaker, as he navigates the complexities of human nature and society while on a journey that includes a mixture of humor and social commentary. The opening of the book introduces Sam Slick, who visits an old friend, referred to as "the Squire." The interaction reveals a warm camaraderie between them, filled with humorous anecdotes about town life and the quirks of human nature. Sam recounts a whimsical story about a clever scheme involving shipbuilding supplies that highlights his playful wit and insight into human follies. As the conversation unfolds, Sam's character emerges as a blend of shrewdness and humor, establishing a narrative tone that will likely explore broader themes surrounding nature and society as the book progresses. This engaging start effectively sets the scene for a reflective and entertaining examination of both human behavior and the world around them. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Thomas Chandler Haliburton was a Nova Scotian politician, judge, and author. He made an important political contribution to the state of Nova Scotia before its entry into Confederation of Canada. He was the first international best-selling author of fiction from what is now Canada. In 1856, he immigrated to England, where he served as a Conservative Member of Parliament. He was the father of the British civil servant Lord Haliburton and of the anthropologist Robert Grant Haliburton.