Richard Jefferies

Date of Birth: November 6, 1848

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: August 14, 1887

Biography

John Richard Jefferies, commonly known as Richard Jefferies, was a prominent English nature writer, essayist, and novelist. Born on November 6, 1848, in Coate, near Swindon, Wiltshire, Jefferies grew up on a small farm, which profoundly influenced his writing. His deep connection with the natural world is evident in his works, where he often explored the beauty and complexity of rural life. Jefferies started his career as a journalist, writing for local newspapers before gaining wider recognition with his nature essays and novels. His most famous work, “The Story of My Heart” (1883), is a spiritual autobiography that reflects his transcendentalist perspective and deep appreciation for nature. Other notable works include “Bevis” (1882), a classic tale of childhood adventure, and “After London” (1885), a pioneering work of post-apocalyptic fiction. Jefferies’ writing is characterized by its vivid descriptive quality and philosophical depth, often delving into themes of nature, human existence, and the passage of time. Despite facing financial struggles and health issues throughout his life, he continued to write passionately until his untimely death at the age of 38.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard Jefferies

1. Richard Jefferies was largely self-educated, having attended only a few months of formal schooling.

2. He is considered one of the earliest writers to explore post-apocalyptic themes in literature with his novel “After London.”

3. Jefferies’ work had a significant influence on later nature writers, including Edward Thomas and W.H. Hudson.

4. Despite his celebrated writing career, Jefferies struggled with chronic illness, particularly tuberculosis, which greatly affected his quality of life.

5. The Richard Jefferies Society was established in 1950 to promote the appreciation of his life and works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Jefferies

1. “The hours when the mind is absorbed by beauty are the only hours when we really live.”

2. “The sun, the moon, the stars, the seas, the hills and the plains—are not these, O soul, the vision of Him who reigns?”

3. “There is no spot of ground, however arid, bare or ugly, that cannot be tamed into such a state as may give an impression of beauty and delight.”

4. “In the heart of the great forest I felt the beauty of the trees as if I could touch it.”

5. “The wind from the fields, the sun itself, the sky, the stars, the moon: the human soul cannot be fully satisfied with a city life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Richard Jefferies did not achieve significant financial success during his lifetime. His highest net worth was modest, with his earnings primarily coming from his writing and journalism. Exact figures are not well-documented, but he faced financial difficulties throughout his career.

Children

Richard Jefferies had three children with his wife, Jessie Baden (née White). Their names were: 1. Harold Jefferies (1877–1891) 2. Richard Oliver Jefferies (1880–1953) 3. Phyllis Jefferies (1881–1882)