Glimpses of Wild Life
The book is a collection of essays that explore the natural world and the human experience. It reflects Burroughs' observations on the beauty and complexity of nature, as well as his own thoughts on life, death, and the human condition. The essays are written in a lyrical and introspective style, often blending elements of poetry and prose.
By John Burroughs · First published 1867 · Genre: Nature Writing, Memoir, Essays · 2,429 words
First lines
So fond am I of seeing Nature reassert herself that I even found some compensation in the loss of my chickens that bright November night when some wild creature, coon or fox, swept two of them out of the evergreens, and their squawking as they were hurried across the lawn called me from my bed to shout good-by after them. It gave a new interest to the hen-roost, this sudden incursion of wild nature. I feel bound to caution the boys about disturbing the wild rabbits that in summer breed in my currant-patch, and in autumn seek refuge under my study floor. The occasional glimpses I get of them about the lawn in the dusk, their cotton tails twinkling in the dimness, afford me a genuine pleasure. I have seen the time when I would go a good way to shoot a partridge; but I would not have killed, if I could, the one that started out of the vines that cover my rustic porch, as I approached that side of the house one autumn morning. How much of the woods, and of the untamable spirit of wild nature, she brought to my very door! It was tonic and exhilarating to see her whirl away toward the vineyard. I also owe a moment's pleasure to the gray squirrel that, finding my summer-house in the line of his travels one summer day, ran through it and almost over my feet as I sat idling with a book.
What this Textopian page supports
Glimpses of Wild Life is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Burroughs, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Burroughs
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Memoir, Essays, Animal Stories, Philosophical
- Length: 2,429 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Glimpses of Wild Life by John Burroughs
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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- How does this short story by John Burroughs fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Nature Writing first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on observations and experiences with wildlife, emphasizing the beauty and intricacies of nature.
- Memoir — The narrative reflects personal experiences and anecdotes related to wildlife encounters, blending personal reflection with nature.
- Essays — The writing style is reflective and analytical, typical of essay formats that explore themes of nature and human interaction.
- Animal Stories — The text features various animals and their behaviors, highlighting interactions that evoke empathy and curiosity.
Tags
Nature Writing · Wildlife Observation · American Literature · 19th Century Literature · Non-Fiction · Essay Collection · Outdoor Adventure · Conservation · Environmentalism · Natural History · Observational Writing · Descriptive Writing