Overview

Little rivers: A book of essays in profitable idleness invites readers into a quiet world where slowing down becomes a form of wisdom. The collection reflects on the experience of moving alongside rivers, where water becomes a companion that teaches stillness, balance, and the quiet joy of noticing small details. Each essay blends observation with reflection, showing how time spent near flowing water encourages a different rhythm of thought. Rather than chasing productivity or urgency, the work embraces unhurried moments, where simple activities offer clarity and renewal. The writing lingers on the subtle sounds, shifting light, and ever-changing movement of rivers, treating them not only as landscapes but as guides for a more deliberate life. Within these pages, idleness becomes valuable rather than wasteful. It represents space for imagination, connection, and personal renewal, reminding readers that stepping away from constant motion can open a deeper appreciation of the world. Through calm reflections and gentle humor, the book encourages embracing leisure as a meaningful part of existence, suggesting that true wealth can be found in peace, companionship, and the quiet lessons of nature.

Full Product Details

9789374839300

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Henry Jackson van Dyke Jr. was an American novelist, educator, diplomat, and Presbyterian minister. Van Dyke was born November 10, 1852, in Germantown, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Henry Jackson van Dyke Sr. (1822-1891), a famous Brooklyn Presbyterian preacher recognized in the antebellum era for his anti-abolitionist beliefs. The family descended from Jan Thomasse van Dijk, who came from Holland to North America in 1652. The younger Henry van Dyke graduated from Poly Prep Country Day School in 1869, Princeton University in 1873, and Princeton Theological Seminary in 1877. He was a professor of English literature at Princeton from 1899 to 1923. Among the many pupils he impacted was future star travel writer Richard Halliburton (1900-1939), then-Editor-in-Chief of the Princeton Pictorial. Van Dyke oversaw the group that developed the first Presbyterian printed liturgy, The Book of Common Worship, in 1906. Dr. van Dyke served as an instructor at the University of Paris from 1908 to 2009. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson appointed van Dyke, a friend and old classmate, as Minister to the Netherlands and Luxembourg. World War I erupted shortly after his appointment, devastating Europe. Americans from all over Europe came to Holland seeking shelter.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available