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Loading... Waldenby Henry David Thoreau
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will love Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. jhowell | Jul 8, 2009 |   With all the rave reviews I had read at the time, I thought this would be a good inspirational book to purchase.....wrong! As far as I'm concerned it was a huge waste of time and money. (  )Sissysue | May 22, 2009 | A sublime reference for meaningful living. (  )sweetdissident | Mar 3, 2009 | This edition makes Walden come alive. The photography is gorgeous. As much as Thoreau and I differ in our worldview, I think he got some things very right, and this is a great work about simplicity and solitude that has endured for a good reason. Carolfoasia | Feb 15, 2009 | Walden is perhaps the most self-indulgent piece of tripe I've ever had the displeasure of reading. ( )7DogNight | Jan 4, 2009 | 0.091 seconds to build listing  no reviews | add a review
Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0300104669, Hardcover)Thoreau’s literary classic, an elegantly written record of his experiment in simple living, has engaged readers and thinkers for a century and a half. This edition of Walden is the first to set forth an authoritative text with generous annotations. Thoreau scholar Jeffrey S. Cramer has meticulously corrected errors and omissions from previous editions of Walden and here provides illuminating notes on the biographical, historical, and geographical contexts of Thoreau’s life. Cramer’s newly edited text is based on the original 1854 edition of Walden, with emendations taken from Thoreau’s draft manuscripts, his own markings on the page proofs, and notes in his personal copy of the book. In the editor’s notes to the volume, Cramer quotes from sources Thoreau actually read, showing how he used, interpreted, and altered these sources. Cramer also glosses Walden with references to Thoreau’s essays, journals, and correspondence. With the wealth of material in this edition, readers will find an unprecedented opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique and fascinating world of Thoreau. Anyone who has read and loved Walden will want to own and treasure this gift edition. Those wishing to read Walden for the first time will not find a better guide than Jeffrey S. Cramer. (retrieved from Amazon Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:58:19 -0400) The first test round has been closed. Visit the Open Shelves Classification group for details. |
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His philosophy grated. Disdainful of vocation, community, those of us who cannot read Greek or Latin, those who take pleasure in anything sensual -- for crissakes, it is even scornful to drink anything else but water. I'm sorry, but it seemed so naive and selfish. What would happen if, indeed, we all did follow his lead and take to a solitary life in the wood? Then where would he buy his precious beans, Indian rye, etc.?
I could more relate when he discussed the superfluity of fine clothes and other baubles; as well as his (mixed?) feelings on the killing and eating of animals. Things that I, too, struggle with in my life. There were some poignant passages thereabouts. . . But then he moved on to describing the pond again in excruciating detail, continuing with his hysterical and often impenetrable prose. Perhaps I am just not erudite enough to appreciate much of what he was trying to say. In any event, often I was forced to skim to endure the pain.
I am disappointed. I thought I'd find inspiration - but I found while I do concur with his thoughts on the majesty of nature - I don't think you can ultimately live a fufilling life contemplating blades of grass, sipping pond water and nibbling unleavened bread -- alone. (