Henry Beston

Date of Birth: June 1, 1888

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: April 15, 1968

Biography

Henry Beston, born Henry Beston Sheahan, was an American writer and naturalist known for his pioneering work in nature writing. Beston was born on June 1, 1888, in Quincy, Massachusetts. He graduated from Harvard University in 1909 and later served as an ambulance driver in France during World War I. Beston’s most famous work, “The Outermost House,” was inspired by his experiences living in a small cottage on the Great Beach of Cape Cod. The book is considered a classic of American nature writing and has been influential in environmental literature. Beston’s writing was characterized by his deep appreciation for the natural world and his eloquent prose. He also authored several other books and essays, including children’s stories under the pseudonym Henry Beston. His work has inspired generations of naturalists and environmentalists. Henry Beston passed away on April 15, 1968, in Nobleboro, Maine.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Beston

1. Henry Beston served as an ambulance driver in France during World War I, which profoundly influenced his worldview and writing.

2. “The Outermost House” was written after Beston spent a year living in a 20×16 foot cottage on the Great Beach of Cape Cod.

3. The National Park Service has named his cottage a National Literary Landmark.

4. Beston’s work has been credited with helping to inspire the establishment of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

5. He wrote children’s stories under the pseudonym “Henry Beston” to distinguish them from his more serious literary work.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Beston

1. “The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood, and the sound of outer ocean on a beach.”

2. “Nature is part of our humanity, and without some awareness and experience of that divine mystery man ceases to be man.”

3. “For the animals shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.”

4. “Touch the earth, love the earth, honor the earth, her plains, her valleys, her hills, and her seas; rest your spirit in her solitary places.”

5. “Do no dishonor to the earth lest you dishonor the spirit of man.”