The Quest of the Simple Life

William J. Dawson recounts his escape from a mundane existence in the city of London to a simpler life in the countryside. Writing in the early 20th century, he describes his days as an office clerk in repetitive accounting work, and losing that job, which he resolves to turn into a blessing. He then sets out the practicalities of finding and restoring a country home, resettling his family and growing used to the customs of rural life, without hiding downsides such as isolation and poor weather on narrow lanes. By the end of the book he is busier than ever, living modestly and frugally, and he concludes that anyone with the will to live that way can succeed.

Morgan Housel said it totally reshaped his thinking on personal finance and on what to aim for in life.