E.B. White on Dogs

by E.B. White, Martha White (Editor)

E. B. White (1899-1985) is best known for his children's books, Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. Columnist for The New Yorker for over half a century and co-author of Strunk and White's The Elements of Style, White hit his stride as an American literary icon when he began publishing his "One Man's Meat" columns from his saltwater farm on the coast of Maine. In E. B. White on Dogs, his granddaughter and manager of his literary estate, Martha White, has compiled the best and funniest of his essays, poems, letters, and sketches depicting over a dozen of White's various canine companions. Featured here are favorite essays such as "Two Letters, Both Open," where White takes on the Internal Revenue Service, and also "Bedfellows," with its "fraudulent reports" from White's ignoble old dachshund, Fred. ("I just saw an eagle go by. It was carrying a baby.") From The New Yorker's "Talk of the Town" are some little-known "Notes and Comment" pieces.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Essays, Animals, Biography, Audiobook, Poetry

208 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2013

About the author

Elwyn Brooks White was a leading American essayist, author, humorist, poet and literary stylist and author of such beloved children's classics as Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. He graduated from Cornell University in 1921 and, five or six years later, joined the staff of The New Yorker magazine. He authored over seventeen books of prose and poetry and was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1973.

White always said that he found writing difficult and bad for one's disposition.

Mr. White has won countless awards, including the 1971 National Medal for Literature and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, which commended him for making “a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children.”

Reviews

[JanB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Were I to quote from this book all the witty observations that I loved, I would be in danger of transcribing the entire book.

E.B White is a treasure. He is of course, the author of the beloved children’s books, Charlotte’s Web, and Stuart Little, as well as an award winning poet, humorist, and essayist. His observations about life, politics, and human nature are poignant, charming, humorous, and just as relevant today as they were when he first penned these words.

His granddaughter Martha White compiled the best of his essays, poems, letters, and sketches in this book. But the title is misleading. Yes, there are essays about White’s many dogs, including Fred, his hilarious and beloved dachshund, and, of course, Daisy who gained fame in 1932 when White wrote her poignant and amusing obituary in the New Yorker. He also writes about his pig, which became the inspiration for Charlotte’s Web. If you can read this essay without crying then you are made of stone.

You don’t have to be a dog lover to read and appreciate this collection. You simply have to appreciate brilliant writing about life and the human condition. I think he must be the finest writer and essayist of our times. Simply brilliant!

[Julie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.B. White, in his lifetime, was a notorious lover of dogs. He wrote columns and essays and letters about dogs (most notably about a particularly high-maintenance dachshund named Fred).

In 2013 his granddaughter, Martha White, decided to compile all of his dog-related writings, and they landed here in this delightful collection.

The letters start off slowly, and I must admit, I lost heart in the beginning, fearing this would be one big yawn. But, before I knew it, I was chuckling and smiling and sitting back, enjoying myself.

As much as I love dogs and loved the essays and stories from the letters, two pieces in particular got me right in the sternum (as White's writing always eventually does). One essay, entitled "A Week in November" (and also appears in One Man's Meat, another collection), is a one week accounting of White's typical week on their Maine farm. That may sound boring to you. It's not. It's precious and lovely and I wanted to jump into this little essay and live there.

And then. . . oh dear. On page 89, his essay "Death of a Pig" appears, and this is where the kick lands hard and knocks the wind out a bit. This is the one piece that you truly should take from this book. This essay is 10 simple pages and describes not only the untimely death on his farm of a young pig, it is an exploration of fear and pain and mortality and loneliness. When White goes down with his faithful dachshund to say a final farewell to this pig, he loses it, and unless you're made of stone, you lose it, too.

I had tears running down onto my hands and then onto the pages of the book. In the moment of reading it, I caught a glimpse of the man who was going to go on and write an extremely famous children's book called Charlotte's Web, all because he suffered that day, wanting to keep the pig alive.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

’The Russians, we understand, are planning to send a dog into space. The reason is plain enough: The little moon is incomplete without a dog to bay at it.’

I suppose it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to find out that E.B. White was a dog lover, and wrote frequently about dogs in his columns, or that he had shared his life with several dogs over his years. But I had never read his columns, or knew that he was a dog lover. And I’ve known many people who brought home a dog with no love for that dog or any other. I needed something to take my mind off the news as we waited, and waited… and waited some more, and I had hopes that between this being written by E.B. White and the topic being dogs, that it would give me something else on which to focus my thoughts. And, it did.

I listened to the Audible version of this, narrated by Malcolm Hillgartner, which was enjoyable, although periodic news flashes would come up on my phone. Sometimes they were helpful, but like many others, I felt as though I’d been holding my breath for too long.

’Some of the published news was distorted, but distortion is inherent in partisan journalism, the same as it is in political rallies.

Quotes like these reminded me that we’ve lived through other times when reported news was, indeed, as strangely skewed as it has been recently. While these essays, columns, letters by White in part were about dogs, he also branches off into other thoughts, at times. There’s much about the running of his farm in Maine, the work he does in order to maintain things, including the animals, but also beyond that. There are letters to friends which include his thoughts on politics, as above, and more about life on the farm, which I loved reading about as he has a way of making these essays feel like a version of Charlotte’s Web for Adults. Real life ‘stuff’ with a real life honesty coated with charm.

One of my favourite quotes came close to the ending of this collection, but since this isn’t an ARC, I’m including it since it seemed so relevant now.

’…his views were largely of a dissenting nature, yet in tearing us apart, he somehow held us together. In obstructing he strengthened us, in criticizing, he informed. In his rich aromatic heresy, he nourished our faith. He was also a plain damned nuisance. I must not forget that.’

Many thanks to my friend Julie, whose review prompted me to add, and read, this:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Negin]

I love dogs, but this one didn't really do it for me.

[Melora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely. White's wry, tolerant observations of his dogs and their vagaries, of the events on his farm and in the world, are amusing and thought-provoking. As the title indicates, this is E.B. White, writing about his dogs (also pigs, children, politicians, etc.), mostly in letters to various people and in pieces for the New Yorker, from 1929 to 1984. What could be better? A few of my favorites are “A Week in November,” “Death of a Pig,” “Letter to the Collector of Internal Revenue, Maine,” “Bedfellows,” and “Khrushchev and I (A Study in Similarities).” Some of these pieces I've seen before, in other collections, but they're worth rereading, especially newly set among letters and scattered photos. A new favorite.

[Sasha]

Julie: "E.B. White has 2 SPECTACULAR essays. . . one is called "Death of a Pig," the other is called "A Week in November." If you ever get a chance, I recommend both of them above all other of his non-fiction works. One can be found in E.B. White on Dogs, the other in One Man's Meat. I can not recommend either of them enough."

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think instead of calling it 'on dogs' it should have 'sometimes talking about dogs.' It is a collection of different writings and letters on various topics and personal matters. I found some interesting tidbits on the period he lived in. He writes well but without a consistent theme because it is not one peice of writing.

From a dog book perspective i would not recommend it.

[Mark Desetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only give the book four stars because the title is misleading. All of the writing in this little book is marvelous. I am firmly of the opinion that E.B. White is one of the best writers of the 20th century and almost certainly THE best essayist.

But this book is titled "E.B. White on Dogs." As an admirer of both White and dogs, I was excited about the book. But in addition to E.B. White ON Dogs there is plenty of E.B. White makes passing mention of a dog and E.B. White drops the word dog in this essay. I would have been happy to have a slimmer volume of writings that really showed how White felt about and understood dogs; essays like "Bedfellows," "Obituary," and "Death of a Pig."

Frankly, the book is worth reading because White is such a great writer. His ability to go off on tangents in the middle of an essay but return cleverly and smoothly to the main point is a delight much like walking a trail wondering if you're on the right path and then finding yourself right where you want to be in the end.

So read the book. Just remember that if you are looking at this as a collection of writings dealing exclusively and deeply with dogs, there will be times you find yourself wondering why a particular piece was included.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read any of White's children's book as a child, and my first introduction to them wasn't until I with my wife and boys listened to the audiobook version of Trumpet of the Swan. It was brilliant, and so is this collection of his letters and columns that include some reference, often hilarious but also touching, to his dogs across his lifespan. If you don't laugh while reading through the first time, read through again. If you like dogs, you should read this. If you miss well-written letters, you should pick this up. And if you want to read an influential and skillful writer, this book should be on your list. Several memorable quotes:

I have yet to see a piece of writing, political or nonpolitical, that doesn't have a slant. All writing slants the way the writer leans, and no man is perpendicular, although many men are born upright. (p.127)

(The theme of my life is complexity-through-joy.) (p.138)

One sign of a good book is that as you are reading it, you are thinking of other people who would also enjoy it. A few friends and family came to mind who need to dip into this treasure.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

One could easily breeze through this collection of essays, letters, and short comments for the New Yorker, since White's prose style and conversational doesn't demand a lot from the reader. Ignore that temptation, please. These pieces should be savored and enjoyed.

[Sue Diveley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved this book. It's got EB White's dry wit and is a collection of letters, columns, and other writings somehow involving dogs. EB was a dog lover and you get to know several of his dogs well. Loving EBW and dogs, this was a perfect book for me.

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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Next year, when Dog Show time comes round, we would like to see a wholly new brand of showmanship introduced into the Garden... A dog should be made to work for his ribbon, each breed in his own wise. Pointers should have to point, Shepherds should be required to herd a band of sheep from the east goal to the west goal. Poodles should be required to jump through a paper hoop, not just follow Mrs. Sherman Hoyt around the ring. English bull terriers should be made to count up to ten, retrievers retrieve rubber ducks, Scotties chew up old shoes. Greyhounds should be put over the high hurdles. St. Bernards carry brandy to anyone in the audience who feels weak, preferably us. Beagles would jolly well have to bealge, or shut up. How about it, dogs—are you dogs or mice?

WHAT'S E.B. WHITE ON DOGS ABOUT?
This is a collection of essays, articles, letters, and other brief notes written by E.B. White about dogs. In other words, it's what the title says. Most of the entries are very short—1-2 pages, some are a paragraph long—but (especially toward the end), we get some longer letters and essays.

Most are about White's dogs—particularly Fred, a beloved dachshund. But there are pieces about dog shows and other dogs, too.

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS
This is going to be tough, there are just too many options. Something about Dog Shows brought out the best and/or snarkiest in White, and are possibly my favorite moments.

There's a point where he describes how a dachshund climbs up and down stairs and the optimum height for said stairs. I don't know about the height, but he described perfectly how our pug uses the stairs and it's something I'm going to borrow. He had, over the course of his life, multiple dachshunds and his affection for the breed is evident. But you can tell that Fred had a big impact on White—both during and after his death. The piece White wrote after his death is possibly the highlight of the book.

There's a long (for this book, anyway) piece about taking a dog on its first coon hunting trip—it's just wonderful. It's tonally different from most of the book, which probably helps it stand out—but it didn't need much help.

SOME NON-DOG MOMENTS
Not everything in this book is focused on dogs but involves them tangentially. The best of these pieces are about contemporary politics—I knew some of the names, but not all of them, but that didn't change things really.

There's an essay from The New Yorker that I'd probably have paid half the purchase price of the book for—it's called "Khrushchev and I (A Study in Similarities)." Some newspaper published a feature on the Soviet premier, and from what I can tell, it was the puffiest puff piece around. White takes some parts of that feature to show how much he and Khrushchev are alike—they're devoted to their families, like walking in the woods, and so on. The last paragraph points out some important differences, too—size, amount of hair left on their heads, the fact that White has never threatened to bury America...the usual differences. And just as he has you chuckling in a different way than he has for a few pages, the last line or two are somber and sober. Fantastic stuff.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT E.B. WHITE ON DOGS?
Overall, this was a great collection. It does feel like Martha White hit "Ctrl-F" on an electronic version of everything her grandfather had written and pasted the entire contents of that search into this book. Some of the letters contain one sentence about a dog—not always that cleverly written or interesting—and I had to wonder why she bothered, outside of a drive for thoroughness.

I don't recommend reading too much of this at once—but maybe that's just me, my attention waned after too many entries. But if you're familiar with White's non-children's writing, or have the desire to be, and enjoy reading about dogs (and a couple of cats, and a squirrel or two)—you'll enjoy this.

Speaking of his non-children's writing—in her note to the reader describing the impetus for the book, and their approach to editing, keeping the pieces "largely as they appeared originally, not attempting to mesh the inconsistencies." (including some phrasing I don't think you'd get away with today). Martha White says,

The letters...are more casual in style and my Tillbury House editor was surprised to find that the co-author of The Elements of Style did not always get his that and which correct, especially in the early years. Our hands-off policy nearly killed her.

I feel for that editor and can't help but chuckle about E.B. White's divergence from his own book.

All in all, this book delivers what the title promises, and if that's up your alley, you'll enjoy it. I sure did.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first E.B. White! My fans (ha ha) might be shocked I’ve never read Charlotte’s Web or Stuart Little, and I’m sorry to disappoint. I may have to pick up one or both after reading this collection, although occasionally I find that liking an author’s nonfiction doesn’t always mean I like their fiction. We’ll see!
I loved how White wrote about his various dogs. His clever way of describing them and their antics reminded me a little of P.G. Wodehouse’s animal descriptions. I smiled and laughed as I read this, reading sections aloud as much as my husband would put up with it.
This is a collection of letters and published pieces for the New Yorker, written between 1929 and 1984 (the year before he died). I think I preferred the personal touch of his letters, but the material written for public consumption was very enjoyable too. Favorites were “Dog Training,” “Architects and Dachshunds,” “Night Chill,” and “A Report in Spring.”

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five wagging tails for this one. White's essay, The Death of a Pig, is utterly brilliant - and it was the basis for Charlotte's Web, one of my all-time favorite books. The rest; pieces from The New Yorker's Talk of The Town; letters to family and friends; an essay on how White and Krushchev had everything ing common (not really, but White has fun making the case) fill out this charming collection.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

These essays are interesting period pieces. Some of what White writes would not be allowed today as we have become so concerned with the feelings of others. White, very simply, said what he had on his mind.

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“End of nostalgia. There’s no chance of an old acquaintance being forgot as long as my beautiful collie Caesar lives in memory.” The humor and humanity revealed in this last sentence broke my heart open.

[Lenny Husen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this while my sweet little dog lay dying of a brain tumour. My wonderful cousin had sent it to me, not knowing that our dog was sick (she got suddenly deathly ill several days before Christmas).

This book was a comfort to me in a terrible time.

As a child, I disliked Stuart Little (while appreciating certain elements), I liked Charlotte's Web, and loved Trumpet of the Swan.

This book contains White's selected correspondence to friends/familyand New Yorker and Harper's Magazine columns, spanning over 50 years--all the letters and columns, that is, which happen to mention dogs (his own, mainly).
He loved dogs and had a series of mainly terriers and dachshunds which he enjoyed incorporating into his posts. The book is edited lovingly by White's granddaughter, Martha, who did a masterful job. Rather than a hodgepodge, it reads like a tapestry of White's life. White the man, is showcased rather than White the author. The book is really about what he did and what he cared about when he wasn't writing seriously, so to speak. It is of historical value as well as human and canine interest. There are many references to current events and social changes over the decades.

I highly recommend this book to dog lovers and adult lovers of White's books. Well done.

[Mij Woodward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it must be impossible to pick up and read something by E. B. White without laughing out loud.

This is a collection of his writings on the subject of dogs, mostly his family's dogs. Columns he wrote for the New Yorker, or letters he wrote to his wife, or his friend James Thurber.

I got this book from the library, but now I have to go out and purchase it, so when I feel like having a chuckle or a loud guffaw, I can just go grab my copy of E. B. White on Dogs off the shelves, and sit down with my tea for some pleasantries.

Now I understand why my Mother kept pushing anything written by E. B. White. She read all of his children's books, like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, and recommended them to me. My parents read the New Yorker faithfully, and I would frequently come upon them and find them chuckling, smiling, or laughing out loud.

They must have been reading E. B. White.

[Amanda up North · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, I liked it, sometimes really liked it.
E.B. White, author of some of my favorite children's novels, and writings from his lifetime of companionship with dogs - much to enjoy.

A little slow at times, hilarious at others.
A book showcasing E.B. White's sense of humor as well as his love of animals, I enjoyed reading White's anecdotes about farming and country life as much as, if not more than, those on dogs.
Known as a private, reserved person who enjoyed the quiet and peaceful coast, I enjoyed getting to know him a little more through these writings. He was a witty fellow.

"His activities and his character constitute an almost uninterrupted annoyance to me, yet he is such an engaging old fool that I'm quite attached to him, in a half-regretful way. Life without him would be heaven, but I am afraid it is not what I want." (E.B. White on Fred)

[Mary Whisner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes the canine content of a selected letter or essay is slight but what the hell, it's E. B. White, and he's good company. I don't have to have a book be all about dogs in order to enjoy it—even if the title promises dogs.Quite enjoyed the essay where White listed all the things he had in common with Nikita Krushchev.

[Joe Basile · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful little book, especially so for anyone who likes dogs and the writing of E.B. White (and if you don't like either, there is really something wrong with you!). I particularly enjoyed White's many letters and essays that feature dachshunds.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.B. White--my main squeeze. This is pure delight. The pictures were the icing on the cake. Mr. White takes his own best advice--write about what you know. He knew and loved dogs.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was kind of a stretch that each of these essays was about dogs--many included just had a brief mention of a dog even if the topic was something altogether different--including politics. Enjoyable nonetheless with a light touch of humor.

Particularly liked the Obituary for Daisy ("She is survived by her mother, Jeannie; a brother, Abner; her father, whom she never knew; and two sisters, whom she never liked." "Her life was full of incident but not accomplishment. Persons who knew her only slightly regarded her as an opinionated little bitch, and said so; but she had a small circle of friends who saw through her, cost what it did." "She died sniffing life, and enjoying it."
On Fred in Dog Training: "Of all the dogs whom I have served I've never known one who understood so much of what I said or held it in such deep contempt. When I address Fred I never have to raise either my voice or my hopes. He even disobeys me when I instruct him in something that he wants to do. And when I answer his peremptory scratch at the door and hold the door open for him to walk through, he stops in the middle and lights a cigarette, just to hold me up." "The possession of a dog today is a different thing from the possession of a dog at the turn of the century, when one's dog was fed on mashed potato and brown gravy and lived in a doghouse with an arched portal. Today a dog is fed on scraped beef and Vitamin B1 and lives in bed with you."
On Fred in Bedfellows: "My wife used to claim that Fred was deeply devoted to me, and in a certain sense he was, but his was the devotion of an opportunist...The only time he was ever discovered in an attitude that suggested affection was when I was in the driver's seat of our car and he would lay his heavy head on my right knew. This, I soon perceived, was not affection, it was nausea." "Fred was intensely loyal to himself, as ever strong individualist must be...He was absolutely sure that he was in possession of the truth. Because he was loyal to himself, I found his eccentricities supportable."

[John Pehle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I stumble from one book to the next, the randomness of the connections (like finding E.B. White by reading John Hodgman) is part of the fun. There is a randomness that runs through "E.B. White on Dogs" as well. If you like dogs, people or quirky observations that border on being non-sequiturs, then you will probably enjoy this collection of White's work. Since there is no real plot line (or is there?), you may be tempted to sample a few or jump around. If that is the case for you, be sure you don't skip "Bedfellows". One of the lengthier pieces in the collection, "Bedfellows" begins on page 121 and, while it was first published in 1956, it would require only minor editing and some find/replace word processing magic to make it seem as contemporary as today's op-ed piece in your newspaper (you remember newspapers, don't you?) The frosting on the cake is providing by the snapshots sprinkled throughout the text. Often grainy and oddly composed, these photos are a perfect match to the wonderful but oddly composed writing.

[Lisa Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up reading EB White's 3 children's books-Charlotte's Web, Trumpet of the Swan and Stuart Little, I did not realize how extensive was his other writing or that he had been a regular contributor to the New Yorker. I therefore was delighted to read E.B White on Dogs. I have always had dogs in my life. His essays about Fred, Suzy, Daisy, Jones and others are sheer delight. He talks about them and they, likewise, comment back to him. My favorite passage was the interview with Fred, recently deceased, about the launching of a dog in space in Sputnik. Thoughout the book, one is experiences E.B White's delightful sense of humor, sarcasm, and commentary about the world locally (Maine and New York city) and politics with dogs as the rotary around which each story goes.

It is sheer delight and I can't recommend the book enough, even if you are not a dog owner. I have ordered other E.B. White books and look forward to reading them.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

"A really companionable and indispensable dog is an accident of nature. You can't get it by breeding for it, and you can't buy it with money. It just happens along......when I got him he was what I badly needed. I think probably all these other dogs of mine have been just a groping toward that old dream......"

"The possession of a dog today is a different thing from the possession of a dog at the turn of the century, when one's dog was fed on mashed potato and brown gravy and lived in a doghouse with an arched portal. Today a dog is fed on scraped beef and Vitamin B1 and lives in bed with you."


The dachshund's affectionate,
He wants to wed with you:
Lie down to sleep,
And he's in bed with you.
Sit in a chair,
He's there.
Depart,
You break his heart.

[Susie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I thought this would be heartwarming stories about his experiences with his various dogs. Instead it was a bunch of letters to people I don’t know about his very complicated life with the occasional mention of his pets. Or it was small New Yorker columns he wrote that included a dog of some sort, his or otherwise. I fell asleep every time I tried to read it, and left the entire experience feeling like I didn’t have the right education or social cachet to understand anything he wrote. (I do wish we still wrote letters. I assume that if you knew him and got one filled with all his inside jokes, it would make your day.)

[Lynn Zoia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Martha White mistitled her book. I love dogs and I love the writings of EB White. So I am just a bit disappointed that the book isn't all about dogs. The book is actually a collection of White's columns, essays and correspondence, and dogs are sometimes the subject. But many of the writings either just mention a dog in passing or dogs are completely absent.
That being said, the writings make for some good reading. I especially enjoyed the letters, because he is freer and much less formal than in the published musings.
A good book on EB White, just not as dog forward as the title promises.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't seem to get enough of E. B. White's essays. I just finished re-reading [title:One Man's Meat] and needed more. So I dug around and found a collection of E. B. White's essays that centered around dogs. In truth, these essays and letters touch on dogs, but they are not necessarily about dogs. They are about life and dogs come and go through them. A lot of humor is packed into these essays, and a lot of muted sentiment as well. A few of the essays and letters appeared in other E. B. White collections, but I enjoyed getting to experience them again.

[Dora Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a light and amusing collection of essays, articles, and letters on dogs, written by E. B. White over the course of his life. One can understand the success of his books through these essays, as they include stories about other animals and clearly show White’s love and understanding of these creatures. I particularly loved those pieces which discussed his own dogs, especially his dachshund(s). I listened to this on audio and would definitely listen to it again.