Henri Perreyve #265828

The original intention of this book was to offer to English readers a sketch of the singularly gifted author of the "Journee des Malades;" a work which has rarely failed to become as a living presence, a loved friend, to those who have once taken it up, more especially if they have done so in sickness, weariness, and suffering. It seemed probable that those who prized the book would care to know how intensely real it is, how Henri Perreyve in the first freshness of youth and of a rare intellect had proved every trial of which he wrote. He had tested the trial of returning day, which brings life and vigour interest and hope to the strong, but weary, helpless hours of depression to the sick man, set aside from the work he once delighted to perform. He knew the need of a friendly voice to whisper that there is still work for such as these to do: - "l'ouvrage des hommes sur la terre ne se mesure pas a la quantite de leurs forces physiques, mais a la qualité de leur volonté."