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.

16 June 2018

Samuel Looker and Richard Jefferies


RICHARD JEFFERIES SOCIETY STUDY DAY
SATURDAY 23 June 2018

Samuel Looker and Richard Jefferies

At the Richard Jefferies Museum, Coate

PROGRAMME

10.30           Doors open and refreshments.

11.00           Welcome.

        John  Price will give a background to Looker and an introduction to the publication of the latter’s work.  Attendees will be able to make contributions from these writings by reading extracts chosen in advance.

1.00-2.00   Lunch break. Bring a packed lunch.

2.00     Readings continue and discussion.

3.15             Refreshments.

3.45            Depart.

Samuel Looker was a passionate promoter of Richard Jefferies' writing. No one has done more to ensure that his works have reached the general public. Looker was the first President of the Society from 1950 until his death in 1965. 


Samuel Looker, 1948

FREE ADMISSION TO MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS.