John Kendrick Bangs
From Pillar to Post: Leaves from a Lecturer's Note-Book
"From Pillar to Post: Leaves from a Lecturer's Note-Book" by John Kendrick Bangs is a humorous memoir of experiences shared from a lecturer's touring career, written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the challenges and amusing anecdotes associated with life as a public speaker on the lecture circuit, showcasing the various characters encountered along the way. At the start of the book, Bangs reflects on the anxiety that comes before delivering a speech, recounting a nerve-wracking event where he experienced palpable fear before an audience of eager listeners. He relates the pressures of public speaking with humor, sharing a story about the comforting words of fellow speaker Julia Ward Howe, which bolstered his confidence. This opening sets the stage for a series of charming and insightful anecdotes, illustrating the deeper lessons learned through his interactions with diverse personalities encountered during his travels across the country.