Hortus Inclusus / Messages from the Wood to the Garden, Sent in Happy Days / to the Sister Ladies of the Thwaite, Coniston

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22230

Title

Hortus Inclusus / Messages from the Wood to the Garden, Sent in Happy Days / to the Sister Ladies of the Thwaite, Coniston

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A collection of intimate letters from John Ruskin to his lifelong friend Susie Beever, offering reflections on nature, art, and faith. Written with warmth and wit, this volume captures the beauty of the English countryside and the depth of a unique friendship, providing a gentle, contemplative escape for readers seeking solace and wisdom.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1887, *Hortus Inclusus* (Messages from the Wood to the Garden) compiles nearly two thousand letters exchanged between the renowned critic John Ruskin and his lifelong friend Susie Beever. Spanning the 1870s and 1890s, this correspondence offers an intimate glimpse into the private life of a public intellectual, framed by a friendship Ruskin describes as sacred and unique. The volume begins with Ruskin expressing profound gratitude for Susie's unwavering support during his own struggles with illness and professional defeat. Throughout the letters, he shares vivid observations of the natural world, ranging from the intricate behaviors of wrens and blackbirds to the grandeur of Mont Blanc and the architectural splendor of French cathedrals. Ruskin also discusses his artistic endeavors, his evolving views on social issues such as labor unions, and his deep religious convictions, frequently referencing St. Francis and the Franciscan order. The tone of the correspondence reflects a man who finds immense joy in simple pleasures—ferns, flowers, and the changing seasons—while maintaining a profound sense of duty and charity. As the years progress and Ruskin's health declines, the letters become increasingly tender. The narrative culminates in his final letter to Susie, written in October 1893 while she lay on her deathbed. This poignant conclusion underscores the book's dual purpose: serving as both a memoir of a lost friend and a testament to the enduring power of love and kindness. Through these pages, readers gain access to a 'Garden Inclosed' where there are no spells save those woven by love, offering a rare and cherished view of the personal life of one of the nineteenth century's most influential thinkers.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22230.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22230.epub

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Categories

• Biography
• Correspondence