Richard Jefferies 
The Hills and the Vale [EPUB ebook] 

Richard Jefferies (1848 – 1887) was an English nature writer, noted for his depiction of English rural life in essays, books of natural history, and novels. His literary craftsmanship, naturalistic style, and philosophical perceptions have prompted some critics to compare him with naturalist writers such as Henry David Thoreau and John Muir. Jefferies’ early career began as a journalist; however, his enduring fame rests on his prolific writings that glorify nature through a style marked by both vivid realism and a sense of poetry. ‘The Hills and the Vale’, a collection of essays, contains much of his early work that originally appeared in various magazines and reflects the author’s abiding interest in the English countryside, its wildlife, and agricultural practices. His most recognizable and widely regarded work, ‘The Story of My Heart: My Autobiography’, goes beyond nature writing to explore the inner spiritual journey of the individual, revealing his unique personal philosophy. Jefferies’ ability to transcend the particularities of the rural landscape to discuss broader themes of existence and the human experience places him alongside notable literary figures of his time. Despite battling a chronic illness for much of his short life, Jefferies’ contribution to English literature endures through his intense observations of the natural world and his contemplative insight into the human condition.