Sherwood Anderson spent four years in Marion, Virginia as the owner and editor of two newspapers. He came to Marion at the age of fifty-three, with his fame already behind him, because he needed an occupation and a place other than creative writing and the city. ""The pattern of Sherwood Anderson's own life demonstrates his recognition of both the agony and the beauty of small town life."" His columns from these years, gently musing, amusing, sentimental, turn on such inconsequentials as Buck Fever, his imaginary reporter: Nellie the printshop cat, the checker king, a news scoop denied. There is one foray to Washington and comment on Hoover. This by-blow can be read for a moment's pleasure or recognition; otherwise, it may be bypassed.