Pages from an Old Volume of Life; A Collection of Essays, 1857-1881

"Pages from an Old Volume of Life; A Collection of Essays, 1857-1881" by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a collection of essays written during the mid-19th century. This work captures the author's reflections on contemporary life, war, and societal conditions, particularly as they relate to the American Civil War. Holmes explores both personal anecdotes and broader observations regarding human behavior in times of conflict, shedding light on the psychological impact of war on both soldiers and civilians. The opening of the collection begins with the essay "Bread and the Newspaper," in which Holmes draws a parallel between the ancient Roman practice of providing food and entertainment to the populace and the contemporary need for sustenance—including bread and news. He discusses how the Civil War intensifies the public's desire for information and how it disrupts the usual rhythms of life and thought. Holmes illustrates a society grappling with emotional turmoil amidst a backdrop of conflict, revealing the profound impression that war has on the human psyche. The beginning of the book sets the tone for a thoughtful exploration of the effects of war, shaping a narrative that intertwines the personal with the philosophical in an engaging and relatable manner. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was an American physician, poet, and polymath based in Boston. Grouped among the fireside poets, he was acclaimed by his peers as one of the best writers of the day. His most famous prose works are the "Breakfast-Table" series, which began with The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table (1858). He was also an important medical reformer. In addition to his work as an author and poet, Holmes also served as a physician, professor, lecturer, inventor, and, although he never practiced it, he received formal training in law.