Ten Thousand Dreams Interpreted; Or, What's in a Dream by Gustavus Hindman Miller
Okay, so this isn't a novel with a plot. Think of it as the great-great-grandfather of every dream interpretation website you've ever visited. Published in 1901, Ten Thousand Dreams Interpreted is exactly what it says on the tin: a giant alphabetical list of things you might dream about, from 'Abandon' to 'Zoo,' with Miller's take on what each one signifies.
The Story
There's no storyline here. Instead, Miller acts as your guide through the strange landscape of sleep. He presents his book as a practical tool. You dreamt of an anchor? That means stability is coming. Dreamt of losing a tooth? Beware of false friends. He blends common symbolism, old superstitions, and his own theories to create meanings that often connect dreams to future events, health, love, and business fortunes.
Why You Should Read It
Reading this today is a double delight. First, it's genuinely fun to look up your own weird dreams. Second, and maybe more interestingly, it's a snapshot of a world long gone. The concerns and symbols are deeply rooted in early 20th-century life. Dreams about 'corsets' or 'riding in a carriage' tell you as much about daily anxieties as they do about the subconscious. You'll roll your eyes at some entries, but then you'll stumble upon one that feels surprisingly timeless and insightful. It makes you wonder how much of our dream logic is hardwired.
Final Verdict
This is not for readers looking for a structured story. It's for the curious, the nostalgists, and the midnight thinkers. It's perfect for dipping into for five minutes of amusement or for a deep dive into historical psychology. Keep it on your nightstand, have fun with it, and remember—according to Miller, dreaming of writing a book review means you'll achieve literary success. So I'm off to buy a lottery ticket!
This digital edition is based on a public domain text. Feel free to use it for personal or commercial purposes.
Ashley Jones
5 months agoFrom the very first page, the pacing is just right, keeping you engaged. A valuable addition to my collection.
Mark Thomas
4 months agoMy professor recommended this, and I see why.
Sarah Scott
1 year agoThe fonts used are very comfortable for long reading sessions.