This is a book I published in 2017, consisting of 55 of my columns with most of them falling under the category of ‘personal essay’.
These selected writings ranged from 1975, the year I started this career, to 2014 when my list was finalized and the typing and editing began. Because these essays went from youth to an older age, both in when they were written and the subject matter—and using the theme of a life’s journey—I titled my book 'The Long Crossing'. It’s also the title of the final essay in this collection.
These selections were by no means the only columns I’ve written over the years, and, in fact, I’ve produced several dozen additional ones since 2014—of number of which you have had the opportunity to read as a subscriber to this newsletter.
The main reason that they made the cut, while other ones didn’t, is that I felt a measure of pride in them and thought, despite a bit of aging, that they possessed a whiff of durability. Also, I wanted to provide some diversity in the offerings.
I know that several of you have already purchased a copy of ‘The Long Crossing’ since its publication six years ago. I thank you for that. However, if you haven’t and are interested in obtaining a copy of the book, I recently had a few more printed.
It is a 198-page paperback and is available for $19, which includes $4 for shipping and handling. That’s more than it originally sold for, but the expense of printing and postage has gone up.
Send your name and address to: Steve Horton, PO Box 937, Fowlerville MI 48836 and I’ll mail you a copy. Make check payable to: Steve Horton.
PS— The selections offered in ‘The Long Crossing’ spanned my first 40 years as a writer and newspaperman. I’m in the process of compiling a new collection written since 2014 that I plan to also publish as a book.
Such a great book! I resonate with many of these musings. Being from Michigan myself, I’ve shared similar experiences, like farm living, fishing, and vacationing on Michigan’s beautiful shores. I really loved reading about the collection of Christmas snowmen, as my own collection of vintage Christmas ornaments brings me such joy. I’ve read the book through and I still re-read my favorite essays. When I do, I feel like I’m magically transported back to an easier, and more comforting, time and place. Thank you, Steve!
An excellent book written in Horton's unique style!