The Droning Voice had never heard of Eli Perkins until she came across this book which a friend had set aside along with a pile of other old books she discovered in her mother’s attic, and which belonged to her grandmother.

Eli Perkins (nee Melville D. Landon) was a, well, The Droning Voice isn’t certain WHAT he was.  He appears to have been a writer, columnist, and lecturer, and, apparently, was considered quite the wag in the late 1800’s.  There were a few paragraphs, here and there, in this book which caused the corner’s of The Droning Voice‘s lips to ever-so-slightly curve in an upwards fashion.  It is very likely that her idea of what is humorous tends towards the more sophomoric and base elements.  Her stodgy husband certainly thinks this is the case.

Still, she appreciated Mr. Perkins’ take on late 1800’s gold diggers (“Brown’s Boys”), which seemed to languish about Saratoga (Springs, she assumes), like humidity hangs about the South in the summer, and who were always looking for a rich, preferably pretty, young lady with a bad cough.  In general, Mr. Perkins seems to have had a dim view of those who made regular visits to Saratoga, though The Droning Voice will also point out that Mr. Perkins certainly seemed to have an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of Saratoga Society, as he appeared to visit there quite often himself.  Not that he was a hypocrite, or anything (The Droning Voice arches her left eyebrow).

Although somebody in the Preface compared Mr. Perkins quite favorably to Mark Twain, the listener can rest assured that there really is NO comparison to be made, and notes that Mr. Perkins’ Wikipedia page is quite sparse (Mr. Landon’s descendants should take note).  There is really very little wit, humor, or pathos in this book that will keep the average listener hanging on every word; nay, quite the opposite, in The Droning Voice‘s opinion.

The Droning Voice does want to acknowledge the history contained in this book, that people got about by horse and carriage, and were, therefore, exposed to all sorts of weather that reminds The Droning Voice about what whiny wimps we have become.

Now lay back, relax, and just allow this to lull you to sleep.  There is very little in this book to keep you awake, God knows.

Pleasant dreams!