The search for happiness is without a doubt one of our greatest preoccupations. In this volume of inspiring essays, letters and anecdotes, classic writers and philosophers from ancient times to the early twentieth century ask what it means to be happy.

Whilst Epicurus sets out his principles for happiness, Ralph Waldo Emerson explains how friendship contributes to a happy state, and Jerome K. Jerome suggests with characteristic wit that we eat, drink and be merry. Rose Macaulay praises the joys of quiet hours reading in bed, and George Eliot suggests that with age and experience comes true happiness. More relevant than ever are Bertrand Russell’s exploration of technology interfering with emotion and Henry Van Dyke’s ode to finding our spiritual wealth.

Combining self-help, erudition, and healing wisdom, this is a book to treasure and to guide you through life. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library, a series of stunning pocket-sized classics. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover.

Zachary Seager is a writer based in Paris. He is the editor of the anthologies and short story collections Paris: A Literary Anthology, The Art of Solitude, Sleepily Ever After and Our Place in Nature, all published by Macmillan Collector's Library.