The Cambridge Companion to Henry David Thoreau (Cambridge Companions to Literature)

Book Overview

Presenting essays by a distinguished array of contributors, the Companion is a valuable resource for historical and contextual material, whether on early writings such as A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, on the monumental Walden, or on Thoreau's assorted journals and later books. It also serves in some ways as a biographical guide, offering new insights into his turbulent publishing career, and his brief but extraordinarily original life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521445949
• ISBN13: 9780521445948
• Release Date: June 1995
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A valuable guide to Thoreau's work...

This guide to Thoreau's work is a collection of thirteen essays by academic experts. Its topics include the evolution of Thoreau's reputation, the impact of Concord on his life and views, and the effects of his friendship with Emerson. Other essays discuss each of Thoreau's major works, placing them in the context of his life, his times, and his beliefs. Ronald Hoag's comments on Thoreau's natural history writings (whose topics include such seemingly unpoetic subjects as the dispersion of seeds) are especially helpful. They tie these seemingly disconnected "scientific works" to Thoreau's other writings by illuminating the philosophical threads that unite them. Best of all, most of the essays in this book are superbly written, in contrast to so many academic productions. They are clear, balanced, sensible, straightforward, well informed, and highly illuminating. My understanding and appreciation of Thoreau's work has been greatly enhanced by this remarkable book, which I strongly recommend. If you like Thoreau, you can buy this book with the assurance that it will enhance -- not disrupt -- your enjoyment.