The Backwater of Life or Essays of a Literary Veteran is a book written by James Payn and published in 1899. The book is a collection of essays that reflect on various aspects of life, including literature, culture, society, and politics. As a literary veteran, Payn offers a unique perspective on these topics, drawing on his extensive experience as a writer and editor.The essays in this book cover a wide range of themes, from the pleasures and pitfalls...