Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury) Cobb
The Abandoned Farmers
His Humorous Account of a Retreat from the City to the Farm
"The Abandoned Farmers" by Irvin S. Cobb is a humorous work that blends elements of personal narrative and satire, likely written in the early 20th century. The book recounts Cobb's whimsical and comic attempts to escape city life by pursuing the dream of owning an abandoned farm. It follows the narrator and his wife as they embark on a quest to find their ideal rural lifestyle, only to encounter a series of humorous misadventures and misunderstandings. The opening of the narrative presents the author's disdain for prefaces and dives into his motivations behind writing about his experiences as an "abandoned farmer." He humorously details how the idea of acquiring an abandoned farm took shape through magazine articles, leading to a series of failed attempts to find the perfect property. From misunderstandings with locals to encounters with eccentric neighbors and dubious real estate dealings, the beginning sets the tone for a light-hearted exploration of rural life and the often comical realities of trying to transition from city dwelling to country living. The reader is introduced to a wealth of characters and scenarios that promise an entertaining journey into the trials and tribulations of pursuing an idyllic farm lifestyle.