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Where the Blue Begins
Where the Blue Begins is a novel written by Christopher Morley. The story revolves around a dog named Gissing who is searching for the origin of the color blue. Gissing is an intelligent and curious dog who embarks on a journey to find the source of the color blue, which he believes is the key to understanding the mysteries of the universe. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a wise old owl and a group of mischievous monkeys. Gissing's adventures take him through forests, across deserts, and over mountains, as he searches for the elusive answer to his question. The novel is a whimsical and imaginative tale that explores themes of curiosity, knowledge, and the pursuit of truth.1922. The book Gissing lived alone (except for his Japanese butler) in a little house in the country, in that woodland suburb region called the Canine Estates. He lived comfortably and thoughtfully, as bachelors often do. He came of a respectable family, who had always conducted themselves calmly and without too much argument. They had bequeathed him just enough income to live on cheerfully, without display but without having to do addition and subtraction at the end of the month and then tear up the paper lest Fuji (the butler) should see it. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.#This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
224 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2006
About the author
Christopher Morley
368 books212 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
American writer Christopher Darlington Morley founded the Saturday Review, from 1924 to 1940 edited it, and prolifically, most notably authored popular novels.
Christopher Morley, a journalist, essayist, and poet, also produced on stage for a few years and gave college lectures.
American writer Christopher Darlington Morley founded the Saturday Review, from 1924 to 1940 edited it, and prolifically, most notably authored popular novels.
Christopher Morley, a journalist, essayist, and poet, also produced on stage for a few years and gave college lectures.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 19, 2019
This year when searching for dog 🐕 centered books that are classic or older stories, I found Christopher Morley's Where the Blue Begins. Having read his "Parnassus on Wheels" & " The Haunted Bookshop", I knew that I probably would enjoy this but not knowing the storyline, except that on the cover a dog is wearing a suit. When I started to read this 1922 published book, at first I thought Gissing was a man but soon found out his a canine. If you read his "Parnassus on Wheels", you would know that George Gissing is a favorite author of his and naming a dog 🐕 after an author is not uncommon phenomenon for him. I always get a kick when I actually hear Morley's voice on radio quiz show, "Information Please", where he is a fairly frequent guest. (I just had to add that, LOL).
As I read this novella, my mind changed from at the very start, thinking this is a children's book that was engaging to this is a kind of a complex quirky story about finding the meaning of life. My final analysis is that this story can be read to children but many things will not be understood by them and the adult can read and appreciate this story completely but like life questions are not always answered. This could also be a Christmas read because there is a little Christmas in between the pages but it is more a spiritual read done quite cleverly. Wondering and questioning things pertaining to God and religion is sprinkled throughout, as well as what Freedom is in life. Gissing questions his bachelor life without care after a trio of puppies, he found changes his life. He has always wondered about the BLUE HORIZON and wanting to chase it because he thinks that will bring him the answers, he needs. He goes off into different adventures which he thinks he finds the happiness he seeks but soon finds his enthusiasm brings things to an end. The society is all dogs in NYC, New Jersey and Atlantic City, where the people are is up to your conjecture. The ending was perfect IMO but to tell more would spoil this dog's story.
The story in short- Gissing enjoys his single life and finding three abandoned male puppies brings them home.
I did not read this edition but I read a collection of Christopher Morley work which has highlights and notes if you are interested.
"Gissing stood, quivering with emotion. Joy such as he had never known darted through all the cords of his body. He ran, shouting, in mirth and terror. In fear, in a passion of love and knowledge and understanding, he abased himself and yearned before this marvel. Impossible to have conceived, yet, once seen, utterly satisfying and the fulfilment of all needs. He laughed and leaped and worshipped. When the first transport was over, he laid his head against this being's knee, he nestled there and was content."
"You suggest that all the conditions of life at sea, our mastery of the forces of Nature, and so on, seem to show that we have perfect freedom of will, and adapt everything to our desires. I believe just the contrary. The forces of Nature compel us to approach them in their own way, otherwise we are shipwrecked. It is in the conditions of Nature that this ship should reach port in eight days, otherwise we should get nowhere. We do it because it is our destiny."
I look forward to reading Morley again and I am quite certain it will be an enjoyable ride. I hope that he looks down on us terrestrial beings and finds pleasure that his works are still adored and read, as he thought of the works by other past authors he loved to read while alive were enjoyed and treasured by himself.💖💜💕
As I read this novella, my mind changed from at the very start, thinking this is a children's book that was engaging to this is a kind of a complex quirky story about finding the meaning of life. My final analysis is that this story can be read to children but many things will not be understood by them and the adult can read and appreciate this story completely but like life questions are not always answered. This could also be a Christmas read because there is a little Christmas in between the pages but it is more a spiritual read done quite cleverly. Wondering and questioning things pertaining to God and religion is sprinkled throughout, as well as what Freedom is in life. Gissing questions his bachelor life without care after a trio of puppies, he found changes his life. He has always wondered about the BLUE HORIZON and wanting to chase it because he thinks that will bring him the answers, he needs. He goes off into different adventures which he thinks he finds the happiness he seeks but soon finds his enthusiasm brings things to an end. The society is all dogs in NYC, New Jersey and Atlantic City, where the people are is up to your conjecture. The ending was perfect IMO but to tell more would spoil this dog's story.
The story in short- Gissing enjoys his single life and finding three abandoned male puppies brings them home.
I did not read this edition but I read a collection of Christopher Morley work which has highlights and notes if you are interested.
"Gissing stood, quivering with emotion. Joy such as he had never known darted through all the cords of his body. He ran, shouting, in mirth and terror. In fear, in a passion of love and knowledge and understanding, he abased himself and yearned before this marvel. Impossible to have conceived, yet, once seen, utterly satisfying and the fulfilment of all needs. He laughed and leaped and worshipped. When the first transport was over, he laid his head against this being's knee, he nestled there and was content."
"You suggest that all the conditions of life at sea, our mastery of the forces of Nature, and so on, seem to show that we have perfect freedom of will, and adapt everything to our desires. I believe just the contrary. The forces of Nature compel us to approach them in their own way, otherwise we are shipwrecked. It is in the conditions of Nature that this ship should reach port in eight days, otherwise we should get nowhere. We do it because it is our destiny."
I look forward to reading Morley again and I am quite certain it will be an enjoyable ride. I hope that he looks down on us terrestrial beings and finds pleasure that his works are still adored and read, as he thought of the works by other past authors he loved to read while alive were enjoyed and treasured by himself.💖💜💕
May 18, 2013
So enjoyed this book by Christopher Morley. What started out as the story of anthropomorphized dog, Mr. Gissing, living his life in an ordinary way and turned into Gissing's search for truth, God, and the meaning of life was a truly great read. Philosophy, religion, humor, and insight all combined in one book. Wonderful.
I'd recommend this book highly to readers who enjoy thinking about life and it's purpose. "Where the Blue Begins" can be read by various readers with different levels of understanding, as it can read on several terms. One can read it as a child would, or one can read it as a philosopher might.
Enjoy!!
I'd recommend this book highly to readers who enjoy thinking about life and it's purpose. "Where the Blue Begins" can be read by various readers with different levels of understanding, as it can read on several terms. One can read it as a child would, or one can read it as a philosopher might.
Enjoy!!
July 3, 2010
This was strange -- dogs who were "human" -- but the focus of the story, Mr Gissing, left home and worked in the city, was a lay reader, was on a ship, and eventually ended up at home -- all while trying to find where he would be happy -- the blue horizon tempting him -- i'm really not sure of the purpose of the story -- if there was one, I did not "get it."
March 9, 2014
Genial and Accomplished
Christopher Morley, (1890-1957), is remembered primarily as an essayist, novelist and poet whose most well known works, ("Parnassus on Wheels" and "The Haunted Bookshop"), followed the experiences of bookseller Roger Mifflin. He was one of the founders of "The Saturday Review of Books", and collaborated with the likes of Don Marquis, (of "Archy and Mehitabel" fame), and Ogden Nash. He was very much a man of his literary, New York City times and was known to be gregarious and good humored. All of that is abundantly evident in this book, which is a testament to his enduring appeal.
"Where the Blue Begins" was written in 1922, a few years after the Mifflin novels, and is generally categorized as a "satirical novel", but that's a bit harsh given its rather genial tone. The characters are all recognizable human types, but presented in the physical guise of dogs. This allows for a great deal of sly humor involving tale wagging, wet noses, and the like, and some even more subtle jokes allowing dog species to stand in as character comments; (what species of dog would you choose to be the local vicar?). When you think about it, T.S. Eliot did the same sort of thing for cats, and I'd actually read Henry James if it had more cows and horses.
Anyway, our hero, Gissing, goes gallivanting off to seek new horizons, (where the blue begins), and has adventures. The results are amusing and instructive. This can be read as a child's adventure tale or as a more serious contemplative work, depending on one's inclinations and situation.
However you approach it, this is an accomplished work by a gifted author at the height of his powers. It suffers not at all from being dated; it may even work better now for that reason. Certainly a cheerful choice as a why-not? flyer.
Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to the publisher of this book.
Christopher Morley, (1890-1957), is remembered primarily as an essayist, novelist and poet whose most well known works, ("Parnassus on Wheels" and "The Haunted Bookshop"), followed the experiences of bookseller Roger Mifflin. He was one of the founders of "The Saturday Review of Books", and collaborated with the likes of Don Marquis, (of "Archy and Mehitabel" fame), and Ogden Nash. He was very much a man of his literary, New York City times and was known to be gregarious and good humored. All of that is abundantly evident in this book, which is a testament to his enduring appeal.
"Where the Blue Begins" was written in 1922, a few years after the Mifflin novels, and is generally categorized as a "satirical novel", but that's a bit harsh given its rather genial tone. The characters are all recognizable human types, but presented in the physical guise of dogs. This allows for a great deal of sly humor involving tale wagging, wet noses, and the like, and some even more subtle jokes allowing dog species to stand in as character comments; (what species of dog would you choose to be the local vicar?). When you think about it, T.S. Eliot did the same sort of thing for cats, and I'd actually read Henry James if it had more cows and horses.
Anyway, our hero, Gissing, goes gallivanting off to seek new horizons, (where the blue begins), and has adventures. The results are amusing and instructive. This can be read as a child's adventure tale or as a more serious contemplative work, depending on one's inclinations and situation.
However you approach it, this is an accomplished work by a gifted author at the height of his powers. It suffers not at all from being dated; it may even work better now for that reason. Certainly a cheerful choice as a why-not? flyer.
Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to the publisher of this book.
July 23, 2009
It took me two tries to get into this novel. On the first go, I was brought up short by the realization that it depicts a society exactly like ours (circa 1922, when the book was published), save that all the people are dogs. I rolled my eyes, and the book came perilously close to getting tossed on the giveaway pile after the first chapter. Thankfully I tried again a few weeks later, and the second time the conceit didn't seem annoyingly precious, just quirky and funny. Here is the main character, Gissing, offering a visiting curate a drink: "Gissing was pleased to find that Mr. Poodle enjoyed a cigar, and after some hesitation ventured to suggest that he still had something in his cellar. Mr. Poodle said he didn't care for anything, but his host couldn't help hearing the curate's tail quite unconsciously thumping on the chair cushions." If that amuses, you will probably like this book.
Our hero, Gissing, is a young bachelor dog with philosophical inclinations and a private income. At the book's opening, he comes across three abandoned puppies whom he impulsively adopts. The vicissitudes of parenthood are described all too vividly; worn down, Gissing leaves his young family in the care of slatternly Mrs. Spaniel, and heads off to a city much like New York, in a vague quest for new horizons -- the title of the book refers to a certain shade of "peacock blue" in the dusky evening sky that fills Gissing with a longing to discover and understand its source. Gissing's adventures in the city and beyond become increasingly unlikely (as though anything in a book about a society of dogs who walk on their hind feet and wear clothes can be said to be likely), but they wind up to a satisfying and affecting conclusion.
Our hero, Gissing, is a young bachelor dog with philosophical inclinations and a private income. At the book's opening, he comes across three abandoned puppies whom he impulsively adopts. The vicissitudes of parenthood are described all too vividly; worn down, Gissing leaves his young family in the care of slatternly Mrs. Spaniel, and heads off to a city much like New York, in a vague quest for new horizons -- the title of the book refers to a certain shade of "peacock blue" in the dusky evening sky that fills Gissing with a longing to discover and understand its source. Gissing's adventures in the city and beyond become increasingly unlikely (as though anything in a book about a society of dogs who walk on their hind feet and wear clothes can be said to be likely), but they wind up to a satisfying and affecting conclusion.
Read
March 24, 2018When you pick a book on the basis of the title (Not so proud about it) It was one of those cases. Even though I'm an animal lover the whole characters being dogs on two legs didn't seem to go well. I wanted to give up after first few chapters the thing which made me go till end was my copy was quite old, yellow pages smelling wisdom and from someone's private collection who seemed like great generation. I kept looking for philosophy but couldn't find anything may be for others it might work but he didn't for me.
July 23, 2024
This is a charming fantasy from the early 1900s with an anthropomorphic dog as main character. Gissing has philosophical and theological questions that lead him out into the world, first to become a floorwalker in an NYC department store and ten its general manager. Later his questions take him into the pulpit and then to sea. Besides the philosophical ruminations, this also expanded my vocabulary, as I had to consult the OED about "strepitant," "scarp," " hebdomadal, " "fiddley," and "oxter."
May 25, 2014
I've read this book before, many years ago, as a child. I think I was twelve and was in an advanced reading class. Anyway, the characters are dogs and I remember that so much and that it was really a book about philosophy, which is why I wanted to read it again.
The search for truth is never easy.
The search for truth is never easy.
March 26, 2018
I love this book. I love using the dogs as a way to show us about our society- the idea of what makes a meaningful life and those who go on to their own search and ultimately find what so many other works tell us- we are happiest at home- even with its messes and boring sameness. For that is where the things we love are.
July 27, 2007
Loved it! Loved the conceit that becomes clear at the end of the first chapter! (But I did not realize it until nearer the end of the book!)
March 27, 2014
A quirky book... read other people's comments about it. In it's own way it is "philosophical".
If Louise Erdrich had not recommended it I would never have read it. If nothing else, it's fun.
If Louise Erdrich had not recommended it I would never have read it. If nothing else, it's fun.
March 30, 2021
Christopher Morley is one of my favorite authors. His stories are allegorical, maybe a little preachy and sentimental, but humorous to me. A tale of many dogs in human form.
September 26, 2022
Just about the most unique story I've read. Told from the perspective of dogs but not a light romp -the book addresses serious topics from this different perspective.
July 22, 2025
You ever find a piece of media at the perfect time? That's me with "Where the Blue Begins", a relatively short story about a dog (man?), Mr. Gissing, who is searching for a higher calling that always seems to be just beyond the horizon. Gissing is a dog who is out of step with the world; a thoughtful, curious, and eager dog who is constantly being told by those around him to settle down and grow up. Gissing looks for belonging in work, theology, the open sea, and eventually within himself before coming to a spiritual understanding of the world and his place in it (no spoilers!).
I, too, have turned to mindfulness and existentialism after feeling stuck for basically all of 2025 so far. I randomly remembered my friend read this in college and really enjoyed it, so I decided to give it a whirl. The book instantly captured my interest, as the main character undertakes a journey that I wish/hope to follow. Also I think I had a first edition copy? I could not tell because there was no ISBN and there is very little info about this book online. And I'm also the only person on our library app to review the book. How rare/unknown is this thing? If you can find it, read it!
I, too, have turned to mindfulness and existentialism after feeling stuck for basically all of 2025 so far. I randomly remembered my friend read this in college and really enjoyed it, so I decided to give it a whirl. The book instantly captured my interest, as the main character undertakes a journey that I wish/hope to follow. Also I think I had a first edition copy? I could not tell because there was no ISBN and there is very little info about this book online. And I'm also the only person on our library app to review the book. How rare/unknown is this thing? If you can find it, read it!
February 9, 2022
Though I only gave it three stars I enjoyed reading it. There is a heavy dose of theological discussion and at times that became a bit much. Having said that, it did keep my interest enough that I read it through in one sitting, always wanting to know what was going to happen next.
Spoiler Alert
In simple terms, it's a similar story line as Wizard of Oz or Alice in Wonderland, except with dogs instead of humans. The main character leaves home in search of something else and ultimately finds what he's search for at home.
Spoiler Alert
In simple terms, it's a similar story line as Wizard of Oz or Alice in Wonderland, except with dogs instead of humans. The main character leaves home in search of something else and ultimately finds what he's search for at home.
November 26, 2023
I enjoy Christopher Morley for many reasons. One of which is that I feel like his works hold up well, even a century later. This tale of an anthropomorphized dog in search of meaning in the world is a pleasure, even if at times it borders on the absurd. Morley's command of language is always impressive and though so much has changed in style and word usage and humor, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read.
January 25, 2011
I loved this book, but not everyone can get into it. You have to accept that the characters are dogs and read it as though they are human. He has a great sense of humor, while at the same time being so down to earth and observant of human nature.
December 18, 2013
engaging book, all dogs, peculiar ending
March 22, 2025
Morley elevates the frivolous habit of a dog chasing its own tail into a satirical adventure, offering a critique of existentialism and self discovery.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews