Leisure and Pastimes

The ways in which the autobiographers spent their free time were routinely mentioned throughout these one hundred life stories, as they often noted their hobbies, described their pastimes and discussed their leisure activities. William Abington, whose quote begins this chapter, was rather scathing in his condemnation of the leisure and pastimes of contemporary individuals in the latter part of the twentieth century. However, his statement is revealing as William simultaneously notes the changes to leisure throughout the 1900s whilst also disparaging them, and he demonstrates a nostalgic remembrance for a time in which he suggests there was less crime, less consumerism and better-quality art and entertainment. Whilst the other autobiographers were not as critical of the leisure practices of subsequent generations, there certainly was a nostalgic element throughout their autobiographical accounts as they reflected on themes such as play, relaxation and holidays, predominantly in their childhood. Like William, they also frequently use their anecdotal reminiscences of leisure and pastimes to demonstrate tangible change throughout their lives.