Thoreau

This invaluable and engaging anthology captures the essence - and the charm - of Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862) through his writings, both formal and informal (including his journals). The Introduction and substantial Biography offer a vivid portrait of this highly influential American genius, assessing his importance in literature, politics, spirituality and the history of ideas. Then in Part One of the book, appealing extracts from his voluminous writings are presented to give a clear picture of his everyday life and his unique views on everything from Transcendent Nature to the cause of civil disobedience (in which he prepared the way for Gandhi). The prose extracts are interspersed with some of his delightful lyrical poems.… Keep Reading