Author: Henry David Thoreau
Title: Walden; Life in the Woods
Genre: Literary Non-fiction, Memoir
Publication Date: 1854
Number of Pages: 207
Geographical Setting: Concord, Massachusetts
Time Period: Circa, 1845-1847
Original Publication: 1854
Summary
Circa 1845, 2 years, 2 months & 2 days. 27 year old Henry David Thoreau sets out for an experiment to live a simple life of solitude & reconnect with nature near a pond in Walden Woods, land that is owned by the writer Ralph Waldo Emerson. Thoreau will start by building a small cabin (10x15) which is completed on July 4th, 1845. Thoreau describes the seasons, the trees, the vegetation & ultimately tries to find a deeper realization of society through solitude. Walden is a study of mindfulness, self-reliance, spiritual morality, natural history, vegetarianism & environmentalism.
Mood, Themes & Appeal:
The
story is written in the narrative voice of the author. Thoreau will record/document every detail concerning what he eats, what money he spends, & how he spends his time. The book generally reads like a diary account; laced with literary references, philosophy, poetry & natural enlightenment. Thoreau's 2 year experience is written into 1 year with 4 seasons.
This book, as well as many other of Thoreau's writings, appeal to readers who believe in the "perfectibility" of humans & society in the sense of morality, economic fairness, individual liberty & conservation of natural areas. Thoreau is often associated with the transcendentalist movement which believed that the inherent spiritual goodness of people is often hindered by religious division and the corruptible nature of political government.
Deliberate living is a major theme in Walden; Thoreau is easily described as a deliberate thinker who chooses what way of opinion will best serve a quality life; improving the inner life leads to positive activities in the everyday. Getting down to basics is an appeal to many, though not often carried out in the modern world. Building your own house, gardening, foraging & simplifying ones' life can sharpen the mind & soften the weight of living.
Thoreau is far from alone, he will befriend dogs, birds, deer & will spend some time with local people; sometimes buying food & supplies. Besides visiting with the Emerson family, visitors to the cabin included: William Ellery Channing (a poet & longtime friend) & Amos Bronson Alcott (father of Louisa May Alcott).
Thoreau is an idealist & a very good writer. Thoreau is also a bit of an activist, anarchist & can not always be the friendliest person in the room. Thoreau sometimes will go on philosophical rants when speaking with some-one, using elevated language to un-charming ends. The best aspects of the book are the beautiful descriptions of landscapes, wildlife, vegetation & the changing seasons.
This book, as well as many other of Thoreau's writings, appeal to readers who believe in the "perfectibility" of humans & society in the sense of morality, economic fairness, individual liberty & conservation of natural areas. Thoreau is often associated with the transcendentalist movement which believed that the inherent spiritual goodness of people is often hindered by religious division and the corruptible nature of political government.
Deliberate living is a major theme in Walden; Thoreau is easily described as a deliberate thinker who chooses what way of opinion will best serve a quality life; improving the inner life leads to positive activities in the everyday. Getting down to basics is an appeal to many, though not often carried out in the modern world. Building your own house, gardening, foraging & simplifying ones' life can sharpen the mind & soften the weight of living.
Thoreau is far from alone, he will befriend dogs, birds, deer & will spend some time with local people; sometimes buying food & supplies. Besides visiting with the Emerson family, visitors to the cabin included: William Ellery Channing (a poet & longtime friend) & Amos Bronson Alcott (father of Louisa May Alcott).
My Take-away:
This is the second time I have read this book. When I read Walden as an undergraduate, I was drawn in by the naturalist & vegetarian ideals. Though the book is in some ways a masterpiece, there is some heaviness to some of the writing. While I agree with many of Thoreau's points, the liberal use of literary references can come off as snobby & arrogant. We have to remember that Thoreau comes from an educated & privileged background; who is choosing to live in a simple manner comparable to the real poverty of rural areas. Thoreau is an idealist & a very good writer. Thoreau is also a bit of an activist, anarchist & can not always be the friendliest person in the room. Thoreau sometimes will go on philosophical rants when speaking with some-one, using elevated language to un-charming ends. The best aspects of the book are the beautiful descriptions of landscapes, wildlife, vegetation & the changing seasons.
Subject Headings:
(WorldCat, 2015)Concord River (Mass.) -- Description and travel.
Merrimack River (N.H. Mass.) -- Description and travel.
Massachusetts -- Concord River.
United States -- Merrimack River.
Similar Authors:
(Novelist, 2015)
Abbey, Edward, 1927-1989
Reason: Like Thoreau, Edward Abbey is self-assured, opinionated, individualistic, and convinced that he knows what is best. Although the setting could not be farther from Thoreau's woodlands, the two authors share an eye for describing the natural world in great detail and both do an excellent job of depicting a world that is passing even as they write. -- Krista Biggs
Goodall, Jane, 1934-
Reason: These writers share an inspirational advocacy for harmony between humans and nature. They make persuasive arguments based on practicing their beliefs. Descriptive of their thought-provoking experiences, both provide a strong sense of place for the locations of their research. Their promotion of individual responsibility and positive action is hopeful. -- Matthew Ransom
Emerson, Ralph Waldo, 1803-1882
Reason: Ralph Waldo Emerson's inspirational writings from the early 19th Century are enriched by Henry David Thoreau's subsequent work. Their shared transcendentalist philosophy seeks harmonious connections between humans and the natural world. Their belief in intrinsic good calls for positive individual action and resistance of oppressive, destructive policies. -- Matthew Ransom
Weisman, Alan
Reason: These authors' works are Thought-provoking, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Nature'.
Louv, Richard
Reason: These authors' works are Thought-provoking, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Nature'.
Ray, Janisse, 1962-
Reason: These authors' works are Thought-provoking, Reflective, and Lyrical, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
Carson, Rachel, 1907-1964
Reason: These authors' works are Thought-provoking and Lyrical, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Nature'.
Murie, Margaret E.
Reason: These authors' works are Descriptive, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
Attenborough, David, 1926-
Reason: These authors' works are Descriptive, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
One Man's Wilderness
Keith, Sam
Reason: One Man's Wilderness occurs in Alaska, a much harsher location than Walden Pond. Like Walden, however, it allows readers to reflect on nature, society's interaction with nature, and the essence of being human. -- Rebecca Sigmon
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
Dillard, Annie
Reason: These authors lived in solitude in wild surroundings while seeking connection with the natural world. Each author's observations and contemplations on the subject complement the others. These thought provoking memoirs are richly detailed and lyrical, with mystical undertones. -- Matthew Ransom
Arctic Dreams
Lopez, Barry Holstun, 1945-
Reason: These books are Descriptive, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
The Snow Leopard
Matthiessen, Peter
Reason: These books are Lyrical, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
The Everglades
Douglas, Marjory Stoneman, 1890-1998
Reason: These books are Lyrical, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subjects 'Wilderness areas' and 'Natural history'.
My Family and Other Animals
Durrell, Gerald, 1925-1995
Reason: These books are Strong sense of place, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
The Golden Spruce
Vaillant, John
Reason: These books are Strong sense of place and Descriptive, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
Life in the Undergrowth
Attenborough, David, 1926-
Reason: These books are Descriptive, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
A Sand County Almanac
Leopold, Aldo, 1886-1948
Reason: These books are Thought-provoking and Lyrical, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
Abbey, Edward, 1927-1989
Reason: Like Thoreau, Edward Abbey is self-assured, opinionated, individualistic, and convinced that he knows what is best. Although the setting could not be farther from Thoreau's woodlands, the two authors share an eye for describing the natural world in great detail and both do an excellent job of depicting a world that is passing even as they write. -- Krista Biggs
Goodall, Jane, 1934-
Reason: These writers share an inspirational advocacy for harmony between humans and nature. They make persuasive arguments based on practicing their beliefs. Descriptive of their thought-provoking experiences, both provide a strong sense of place for the locations of their research. Their promotion of individual responsibility and positive action is hopeful. -- Matthew Ransom
Emerson, Ralph Waldo, 1803-1882
Reason: Ralph Waldo Emerson's inspirational writings from the early 19th Century are enriched by Henry David Thoreau's subsequent work. Their shared transcendentalist philosophy seeks harmonious connections between humans and the natural world. Their belief in intrinsic good calls for positive individual action and resistance of oppressive, destructive policies. -- Matthew Ransom
Weisman, Alan
Reason: These authors' works are Thought-provoking, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Nature'.
Louv, Richard
Reason: These authors' works are Thought-provoking, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Nature'.
Ray, Janisse, 1962-
Reason: These authors' works are Thought-provoking, Reflective, and Lyrical, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
Carson, Rachel, 1907-1964
Reason: These authors' works are Thought-provoking and Lyrical, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Nature'.
Murie, Margaret E.
Reason: These authors' works are Descriptive, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
Attenborough, David, 1926-
Reason: These authors' works are Descriptive, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
Similar Works:
(Novelist, 2015)One Man's Wilderness
Keith, Sam
Reason: One Man's Wilderness occurs in Alaska, a much harsher location than Walden Pond. Like Walden, however, it allows readers to reflect on nature, society's interaction with nature, and the essence of being human. -- Rebecca Sigmon
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
Dillard, Annie
Reason: These authors lived in solitude in wild surroundings while seeking connection with the natural world. Each author's observations and contemplations on the subject complement the others. These thought provoking memoirs are richly detailed and lyrical, with mystical undertones. -- Matthew Ransom
Arctic Dreams
Lopez, Barry Holstun, 1945-
Reason: These books are Descriptive, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
The Snow Leopard
Matthiessen, Peter
Reason: These books are Lyrical, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
The Everglades
Douglas, Marjory Stoneman, 1890-1998
Reason: These books are Lyrical, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subjects 'Wilderness areas' and 'Natural history'.
My Family and Other Animals
Durrell, Gerald, 1925-1995
Reason: These books are Strong sense of place, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
The Golden Spruce
Vaillant, John
Reason: These books are Strong sense of place and Descriptive, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
Life in the Undergrowth
Attenborough, David, 1926-
Reason: These books are Descriptive, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
A Sand County Almanac
Leopold, Aldo, 1886-1948
Reason: These books are Thought-provoking and Lyrical, and they share: the genre 'Nature Writing' and the subject 'Natural history'.
I have always wanted to read _Walden_ and even purchased a copy. I have put it on the back burner as I try to prioritize and finish school. Now, I think I will put it on the bedside table as the first to read after the semester is finished.
ReplyDeleteI've read bits and pieces from 'Walden', and I love it. I've got a copy of 'Walden & Civil Disobedience' that's been sitting on my shelf for some time, and your annotation makes me want to dust it off. This is a great description of this book! I'll have to check out some of your read-alike suggestions, too.
ReplyDeleteThis is an extremely well thought out and thorough annotation. Thank you so much for sharing. I'll be honest, the classics have never appealed to me much and I would have never thought to read this before reading your insightful review.
ReplyDelete