The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft, by George Gissing (1903): A Micro-Review/Essay

A middling writer unexpectedly inherits a small annual annuity (300 pounds . . .. about $30,000 today) at age 50. He has no dependents; it’s enough for him. He retires and takes a small cottage, where he resolves to spend the rest of his life in quiet contentment: books, occasional gardening, thoughts, casual strolls, and journal entries (the contents of the book).

No longer, he explains, will he live “under the goad of fear.” He’ll live for living’s sake.