Reveries of a Bachelor or a Book of the Heart

1888. A collection of musings originally released under the title name of Ik Marvel. From the Original Preface: Yet I am inclined to think that bachelors are the only safe and secure observers of all the phases of married life. The rest of the world have their hobbies, and by law, as well as by immemorial custom, are reckoned unfair witnesses in everything relating to their matrimonial affairs...I have moreover a kindly feeling for these Reveries from their very private character; they consist mainly of just such whimsies, and reflections, as a great many brother bachelors are apt to indulge in, but which they are too cautious, or too prudent, to lay before the world. As I have in this matter shown a frankness and naiveté which are unusual, I shall ask a corresponding frankness in my reader; and I can assure him safely that this is eminently one of those books which were never intended for publication.