The Story of My Heart, 1883

CHAPTER I: THE STORY OF MY HEART [published Oct. 1883] commences seventeen years ago. In the glow of youth there were times every now and then when I felt the necessity of a strong inspiration of soul thought. My heart was dusty, parched for want of the rain of deep feeling; my mind arid and dry, for there is a dust which settles on the heart as well as that which falls on a ledge. ... When this began to form I felt eager to escape from it, to throw off the heavy clothing, to drink deeply once more at the fresh fountains of life. An inspiration―a long deep breath of the pure air of thought―could alone give health to the heart. There is a hill [Liddington] to which I used to resort at such periods. The labour of walking three miles to it, all the while gradually ascending, seemed to clear my blood of the heaviness accumulated at home. On a warm summer day the slow continued rise required continual effort, which carried away the sense of oppression.... I began to breathe a new air and to have a fresher aspiration. ... Moving up the sweet short turf, at every step my heart seemed to obtain a wider horizon of feeling; with every inhalation of rich pure air, a deeper desire. The very light of the sun was whiter and more brilliant here. By the time I had reached the summit I had entirely forgotten the petty circumstances and the annoyances of existence. I felt myself, myself.

18 May 2017

Connections and Inspirations: the Influence of Richard Jefferies on Writers and Poets

RICHARD JEFFERIES SOCIETY 
STUDY DAY

SATURDAY 24 June 2017

Connections and Inspirations: the Influence of Richard Jefferies on Writers and Poets


At the Richard Jefferies Museum, Coate, Swindon SN3 6AA

PROGRAMME

The 1890s gave rise to a number of successful books written in the same vein as Jefferies’ works – a trend recognised in 1896 by the Critic, which stated that ‘there really seems to be no question that books of the Richard Jefferies school are more popular just now than they ever have been before’. Jefferies’ influence in literature has been present ever since, and writers and poets such as Henry Williamson, John Fowles, and Edward Thomas have expressed their debt to Jefferies. New connections between Jefferies’ works and other writers are frequently unfolding, and this Study Day seeks to celebrate known connections with other literary figures and perhaps even discover new ones. We welcome contributions in the form of readings from writer's works that suggest Jefferies’ influence, or short summaries of research. Contributions might also discuss what writers have said about Jefferies, and consider writers who have led them to Jefferies.

Writers and poets might include John Betjeman, Mary Butts, John Cowper-Powys, Enid Blyton, Ronald Blythe, Rachel Carson, W.H. Auden, W.H. Hudson, E.M. Forster, John Fowles, Thomas Hardy, James Joyce, D.H. Lawrence, Richard Mabey, Robert MacFarlane, Arthur Ransom, Henry Stephens Salt, Edward Thomas, Mary Webb, and Henry Williamson. Contributions which identify new connections with lesser known writers and poets are also welcome. Please ensure that contributions are approximately five minutes long, so that as many people can participate as possible.

This event is open to the public and free to attend.

10.30                Doors open and refreshments.

11.00                 Welcome.

                         Dr. Rebecca Welshman will give an overview of the subject followed by
                         contributions from the floor.

1.00-2.30            Lunch break. Bring a packed lunch.

2.30         Readings continue and discussion.

3.45                  Refreshments.


4.15                   Depart.