The Story of My Heart: An Autobiography

by Richard Jefferies

"The Story of My Heart: An Autobiography" by Richard Jefferies is a spiritual autobiography published in 1883. In this unconventional work, Jefferies idealizes the English countryside as a kind of utopia, expressing themes similar to the transcendentalist movement. He explores rapturous union with nature and articulates a speculative spiritualism that reflects Victorian-era doubts about Christian belief. The book provoked mixed reactions—some praised it as inspirational and heroic, while others dismissed it as incomprehensible or tawdry.