Letters of Peregrine Pickle

"Letters of Peregrine Pickle" by George P. Upton is a compilation of amusing essays sharing insights and observations about the details of life and society in the late 19th century. Crafted as a series of letters from the fictional "Peregrine Pickle," the book contains a range of characters and commentary about society, human quirks, and everyday life with a vivid picture of the author's thoughts on the issues of the time. Readers are introduced to the origins of the letters, published initially in the Chicago Tribune, and meant to capture the feelings of the day. Figures like Old Blobbs and Mrs. Blobbs illustrate different sides of society, and the stories consider themes from holidays to the expected behaviors of church life. With humor and intelligence, Upton makes the social world come alive, preparing the reader to consider other topics as the letters continue.