Synopsis
Henry David Thoreau was a naturalist, transcendentalist, philosopher, and essayist. His views on civil disobedience and nature have become a part of the American character. This updated volume of the Bloom's Modern Critical Views series is a keenly detailed chronicle of a great thinker who will forever be known for his experiment in simple living documented in his work Walden.
School Library Journal
Gr 9 Up-Bloom's introductory essay is followed by a lengthy biographical portrait by Ellyn Sanna and a critical essay by Michael Cisco that discusses the important symbols and themes of Thoreau's work, including his political influence. There is a bit of repetition, but it does put the author's work into perspective with the cultural and historical events of the day. Two additional essays, one by Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Walter Harding on "Thoreau's Ideas," are included. Both give personal and unique insights into Thoreau's work. While sometimes tedious to get through, this volume gives the information students need to help them understand the man and his writing whether they read the book before or after digesting such works as Walden, or Life in the Woods.-Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.