This is perhaps one of the best-loved of all journals. William Wordsworth's sister, Dorothy, began it in May 1800 and resolved to keep it for a short time. She continued it for nearly three years. In it, she brought the Dove Cottage years to vivid and intimate life. She noted the walks and weather, the friends, country neighbours, and travellers on the roads. She set down accounts of the garden, of WordsworthĂ”''Ă”''Ă”''s marriage, their concern for Coleridge, and the composition of Wordsworth's poetry.
Readings of some of Wordsworth's poems form the last part of this recording.