Penguin Persons & Peppermints

In Short

Penguin Persons & Peppermints is a delightful collection of essays by Walter Prichard Eaton that celebrates the simple joys and quirks of everyday life. Through nostalgic reflections, Eaton revisits childhood memories, the beauty of nature, and the peculiarities of human behavior. His writing is characterized by a gentle humor and a deep appreciation for the small, often overlooked details that make life rich and meaningful. The essays are a testament to the enduring charm of the past and the importance of finding beauty in the mundane.

The Story

The book is a series of essays, each a self-contained reflection on various aspects of life, from the whimsical to the profound. Eaton begins by introducing the concept of "Penguin Persons," individuals who bring a unique, almost absurd, joy to life, much like the endearing penguins they resemble. He then takes readers on a journey through his childhood, recalling games like mumblety-peg and the thrill of exploring old barber shops.

Eaton’s essays often focus on the natural world, celebrating the arrival of spring and the beauty of a garden in bloom. He reflects on the changing seasons and how they mirror the passage of time, both in nature and in human life. His writing is filled with vivid descriptions, such as the sight of children gathering wildflowers in a mountain clearing or the smell of wood ashes in a fireplace.

The author also delves into the quirks of human behavior, from the immorality of shop-windows to the bad manners of polite people. He critiques the lies we learn in our youth and the absurdity of giving up golf forever. Eaton’s humor is subtle and often self-deprecating, as he shares his own experiences and observations with a light touch.

Throughout the book, Eaton’s love for the past is evident. He reminisces about old houses, hat-trees, and the shrinking of familiar fields, capturing the nostalgia of a bygone era. His essays are a tribute to the simple pleasures of life and the importance of cherishing memories.

How It Unfolds

Penguin Persons: Eaton introduces the concept of "Penguin Persons," individuals who bring a unique joy to life, much like the endearing penguins they resemble. Spring Comes to Thumping Dick: A reflection on the arrival of spring and the beauty of nature, particularly in the southern highlands. The Passing of the Stage Sundial: A nostalgic look at the decline of old stagecoach inns and their sundials, symbols of a bygone era. On Singing Songs with One Finger: A humorous and heartfelt essay on the joy of playing simple melodies, even with limited musical skill. The Immorality of Shop-windows: A critique of modern shop-windows, which Eaton sees as immoral for their display of wealth and excess. A Forgotten American Poet: An exploration of the life and work of a lesser-known American poet, highlighting the beauty of his verse. New Poetry and the Lingering Line: A discussion of modern poetry and its departure from traditional forms, with a nod to the enduring appeal of classic verse. The Lies We Learn in Our Youth: A reflection on the falsehoods and misconceptions we absorb as children and their impact on our lives. The Bad Manners of Polite People: A critique of the superficiality of modern politeness and the importance of genuine respect. On Giving Up Golf Forever: A humorous essay on the absurdity of quitting golf, a game that seems to lure players back despite their best intentions. "Grape-Vine" Erudition: A look at the peculiar knowledge acquired through casual conversation and its value in everyday life. Business Before Grammar: A lighthearted critique of the prioritization of business over proper grammar in modern communication. Wood Ashes and Progress: A reflection on the changing times, symbolized by the decline of wood ashes in fireplaces. The Vacant Room in Drama: An exploration of the lack of certain themes in modern drama and the need for more diverse storytelling. On Giving an Author a Plot: A humorous take on the challenges of writing and the difficulty of coming up with a good plot. The Twilight Veil: A poetic essay on the beauty of twilight and its ability to transform the ordinary into something magical. Spring in the Garden: A celebration of the joys of gardening and the arrival of spring, with its promise of new life. The Bubble, Reputation: A reflection on the fleeting nature of reputation and the importance of living authentically. The Old House on the Bend: A nostalgic look at an old house and the memories it holds, symbolizing the passage of time. Concerning Hat-trees: A humorous essay on the impracticality of hat-trees and the search for a better solution. The Shrinking of Kingman's Field: A reflection on the changing landscape and the nostalgia for a simpler, more familiar past. Mumblety-peg and Middle Age: A nostalgic look at childhood games and the challenges of growing older. Barber Shops of Yesterday: A reflection on the charm and character of old barber shops, now largely replaced by modern salons. The Button Box: A whimsical essay on the treasures found in a button box and the memories they evoke. Peppermints: A final reflection on the simple pleasures of life, symbolized by the humble peppermint.

The People

Walter Prichard Eaton: The author and central figure, Eaton is a keen observer of life, with a deep appreciation for the past and a gentle sense of humor. He is nostalgic yet insightful, finding beauty and meaning in the everyday. Bobbie: A friend of Eaton’s, Bobbie is a "Penguin Person," someone who brings joy and humor to life with his carefree attitude. Ruskin: The great critic and intellectual, Ruskin is contrasted with Bobbie, representing the more serious and scholarly side of life. The Tow-Headed Children: A group of children encountered in a mountain clearing, symbolizing the innocence and beauty of childhood. The Man Above the Square: A character who values tradition and simplicity, particularly in his preference for wood ashes in the fireplace.

In Its Own Voice

On Penguin Persons:

"Bobbie would not have talked Art with Ruskin, and for a very good reason,--he knows nothing about it. Bobbie would not have cared a snap about his Turners, though he would have been greatly reverent of them for their owner's sake."

On the Immorality of Shop-windows:

"This is especially true of the shop-windows on Fifth Avenue, New York. For these windows, even at night illuminated like silent drawing-rooms vacant of people, expose to the view of the most humble passer on the curb as well as to the pampered rich racing by in motors, the spoils of all the world."

On the Lies We Learn in Our Youth:

"The world for a great many years has accepted the dictum of the poet, that-- 'Of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: It might have been.'"

What It's Really About

Penguin Persons & Peppermints is about the beauty of everyday life and the importance of cherishing the past. Eaton’s essays explore the nostalgia of childhood, the charm of nature, and the quirks of human behavior. He celebrates the simple pleasures and finds meaning in the mundane, offering a gentle critique of modern life’s excesses and superficialities. The book is a reminder to slow down, observe, and appreciate the world around us.

Why Read It Today

This collection of essays is perfect for readers who appreciate nostalgic reflections and the beauty of simple pleasures. Eaton’s writing is accessible and engaging, with a gentle humor that makes it a joy to read. While some of the references and attitudes may feel dated, the themes of cherishing memories and finding beauty in the everyday remain timeless. The book is ideal for dipping into, with each essay offering a brief escape into a world of charm and whimsy. It’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate the small details that make life rich and meaningful.