The Journal, An extraordinary tale of ordinary life on the American Prarie (The Complete Journals of Manly DeWitt Barber)

A Journal like no other. There are no ‘daily entries’ that you might expect to find. Written by Manly DeWitt Barber (1852-1928) kept this journal covering the years from approx. 1860 through 1909. He was the older brother of George Barber, architect, and whose namesake graces 100’s of old Victorians known as Barber Houses. Each entry (chapter) covers the topic that Manly wished to remember for future personal use. This is the first of three volumes containing his journaling through a half-century of life on the Prarie. What is extraordinary about this is the vast array of topics and the variety of literary formats he employs throughout. His journal includes narrative, humor, poetry, ballad, life events, how things work, song, wisdom, tragedy, Married life, children, special occasions, scientific essays, daily data, hyperbole, artwork, faith and inspiration, hobbies, politics, travels, and education to name a few. His own introduction from page 3 of his journal should give you an idea of the treat you are in for: "THIS BOOK is designed as a kind of Journal, in which I record items and notes of interest, of daily or occasional occurrence; thoughts which may be of service to me hereafter; present transpiring events, and in fact, anything which suggests to my mind that I may desire for reference in future time. If I follow out the resolution, and make this book one of reference and comparison, and keep it to peruse in the future years, I feel confident that the price of this book, and the spare hours occupied in writing it, will not to me be lost. I shall not confine my mind to any particular channel of thought but write about anything that pleases me, without regard to scientific arrangement. I am sometimes subject to practical “tumbles”. But whether I am in a more prosier mood, or in one of my practical “tumbles”, the tenor of the mood I am in will govern the expressions of thought.” Because you never know what his next entry will be, this might make it hard to follow. There is no ‘flow’ to the entries like a story with chapters or a daily entry system. But, in a way, that’s the beauty of it…it’s like an adventure you have never been on and you find it hard to anticipate what is around the next corner with the next story. But be on the lookout, he also had a knack for telling a story that you ‘think’ he is being serious about, but perhaps not… For those who wish to include wholesome reading for their youth and those who just love history unadulterated. Edited by his great-grandson, Steven Epperson. Volumes 2 and 3 are in editing stage at the time of this publication…look for them soon.
ASIN: B0DPHS9JZL
VSKU: BVV.B0DPHS9JZL.VG
Condition: Very Good
Author/Artist:Barber, Manly DeWitt|Epperson, Steven
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: Book has little sign of wear or use