Round About a Great Estate (ePub)

John Richard Jefferies (1848-1887) was an English nature writer, noted for his depiction of English rural life in essays, books of natural history, and novels. His literary craftsmanship, affinity with nature, and extensive observations of the English countryside have made him one of the most influential nature writers of the Victorian age. Richard Jefferies, born near Swindon, Wiltshire, chronicled his profound relationship with the natural landscape as seen in 'Round About a Great Estate' (1880), where he examines rural life through a series of sketches based on personal experience and keen observation. His work not only sought to capture the bucolic essence of rural England but also often touched upon the broader philosophical and existential themes that the natural environment evoked. Jefferies' most unique contribution to literature is his intimate portrayal of nature's minutiae; his elaborate descriptions often verge on the poetic, radiating a visceral understanding of country life. Although his fame peaked posthumously, Jefferies' work has continued to influence both environmental thought and literary interpretations of nature, inspiring future generations of naturalists and writers. His other notable books include 'The Story of My Heart' (1883), his spiritual autobiography, and 'After London' (1885), an early work of science fiction. Jefferies' prose encapsulates a timeless reverence for the natural world and urges an authentic encounter with the rural landscape.