Henry David Thoreau Books

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Exploring themes of politics, simplicity, and independent living, Thoreau's influential works challenge readers to question societal norms and adhere to their own principles. Over 150 years later, his reflections remain relevant, inspiring generations of thinkers. This elegant keepsake edition celebrates the timeless wisdom of Thoreau, capturing the essence of his philosophy while honoring the tradition of beautiful book publishing.

The Journal captures Thoreau's evolution from a conventional writer to a profound observer of nature and self. In Journal 5, covering spring 1852 to winter 1853, he meticulously records natural phenomena while exploring the deep connections between himself and the environment. This edition presents the text without editorial interference, highlighting Thoreau's blend of scientific inquiry and spiritual reflection. The year culminates with his contemplation of joining the Association for the Advancement of Science, which he ultimately declines to focus on his personal studies.

Henry David Thoreau’s Journal was his life’s work: the daily practice of writing that accompanied his daily walks, the workshop where he developed his books and essays, and a project in its own right—one of the most intensive explorations ever made of the everyday environment, the revolving seasons, and the changing self. It is a treasure trove of some of the finest prose in English and, for those acquainted with it, its prismatic pages exercise a hypnotic fascination. Yet at roughly seven thousand pages, or two million words, it remains Thoreau’s least-known work. This reader’s edition, the largest one-volume edition of Thoreau’s Journal ever published, is the first to capture the scope, rhythms, and variety of the work as a whole. Ranging freely over the world at large, the Journal is no less devoted to the life within. As Thoreau says, “It is in vain to write on the seasons unless you have the seasons in you.”

Henry David Thoreau is famous for the literary excellence of his political and nature writings but his friend Harrison Blake understood that the significance of Thoreau's life was in fact spiritual, and he asked him for guidance in finding a path of his own. The result was a regular exchange of letters charting the evolution of Thoreau as a writer and thinker. The fifty letters, assembled and annotated here are by turns earnest, oracular, witty, playful, practical, insightful and inspiring.

"As Laura Dassow Walls writes in her foreword, "Thoreau's notion of living in season sets the keynote for this collection. These quotes invite us to pay full attention to each moment as it passes, with all our senses, taste and touch and smell as well as sight and hearing-to attend to the phenomenology of the great cycles of growth, decay and renewal. This slender volume thus embodies, in small compass, Thoreau's own ambition to write "a book of the seasons, each page of which should be written in its own season and out-of-doors." The book provides daily glimpses into the insight, quirkiness and brilliance of Thoreau"-- Provided by publisher

A classic book of nature photography, this large-format volume is designed to convey the spirit of American nature as so sensitively described by Thoreau. Eliot Porter, one of America's foremost nature photographers, blends short excerpts from Thoreau's Walden and many other works with 72 full-color photographs that perfectly reproduce the writer's sense of quiet drama.

Citadel Press is proud to announce the newest titles in the Wisdom Library, a collection of books showcasing the thoughts and writings of diverse literary, philosophical, political, and scientific immortals. These books deserve a place on every home bookshelf and in every student's basic library.

Eines jener Bücher, die die Welt verändern: Thoreaus Essay 'Über die Pflicht zum Ungehorsam gegen den Staat', den er 1849 aus Protest gegen die amerikanische Eroberungs- und Sklavenpolitik veröffentlichte und der nun erstmals in einer zweisprachigen Leinenausgabe erscheint. Nicht so sehr ein Pamphlet als schlicht große Poesie.

Henry David Thoreau dedicated his life to preserving his freedom as a man and an artist. Nature was the fountainhead of his inspiration and his refuge from what he considered the follies of society. Heedless of his friends' advice to live in a more orthodox manner, he determinedly pursued his own inner bent, which was that of a poet-philosopher, in prose and verse. Carl Bode brings together the best of Thoreau's works in The Portable Thoreau, a comprehensive collection of the writings of a unique and profoundly influential American thinker. The complete texts of Thoreau's classic works Waldenand "Civil Disobedience," as well as selections from The Maine Woods, Cape Cod, the Journal, and eighteen poems are included. Bode's introduction rounds out this compact volume, offering a thorough and informative analysis of Thoreau and the forces that shaped his life and writing.

Thoreau's political writing is intensely personal and direct. Both his life and work focus uncompromisingly on the question "how should I live?." This edition of Thoreau's political essays includes "Civil Disobedience," selections from Walden, and the anti-slavery addresses. In her introduction, Nancy L. Rosenblum places the essays in the context of Thoreau's life of self-examination, and analyzes the themes of citizenship and resistance that have made Thoreau an enduring influence in political philosophy and practice.

The book presents two influential essays on civil disobedience from Henry David Thoreau and Hannah Arendt, exploring the responsibilities of citizenship and moral conscience. Thoreau's "Resistance to Civil Government" details his imprisonment for refusing to pay poll taxes, advocating for individual conscience as a political force. In contrast, Arendt's "Civil Disobedience" critiques Thoreau, emphasizing the importance of collective action and societal promises for enacting meaningful change. An introduction by Roger Berkowitz contextualizes their arguments within the tradition of civil disobedience and contemporary politics.

Thoreau has inspired generations of readers to think for themselves and to find meaning and beauty in nature. This sampling includes five of his most frequently read and cited essays: "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience" (1849), "Life without Principle" (1863), "Slavery in Massachusetts" (1854), "A Plea for Captain John Brown" (1869) and "Walking" (1862).

The book offers a vivid portrayal of Cape Cod's natural beauty through the eyes of Henry David Thoreau, an avid naturalist and philosopher. Based on his excursions, it combines travel journal elements with explorations of the region's geography and wildlife. Thoreau's detailed observations reflect his deep appreciation for the outdoors and the indigenous species he encountered. This captivating work not only showcases the Cape's charm in the 1800s but also appeals to nature lovers and those interested in the area's history.

Introduction by Ralph Waldo Emerson Commentary by Van Wyck Brooks and E. B. White Naturalist, philosopher, champion of self-reliance and moral independence, Henry David Thoreau remains not only one of our most influential writers but also one of our most contemporary. This unique and comprehensive edition gathers all of Thoreau’s most significant works, including his masterpiece, Walden (reproduced in its entirety); A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers; selections from Cape Cod and The Maine Woods; as well as “Walking,” “Civil Disobedience,” “Slavery in Massachusetts,” “A Plea for Captain John Brown,” and “Life Without Principle.” Taken together, they reveal the astounding range, subtlety, artistry, and depth of thought of this true American original. Includes a Modern Library Reading Group Guide

Introduction by Ralph Waldo Emerson Commentary by Van Wyck Brooks and E. B. White Naturalist, philosopher, champion of self-reliance and moral independence, Henry David Thoreau remains not only one of our most influential writers but also one of our most contemporary. This unique and comprehensive edition gathers all of Thoreau’s most significant works, including his masterpiece, Walden (reproduced in its entirety); A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers; selections from Cape Cod and The Maine Woods; as well as “Walking,” “Civil Disobedience,” “Slavery in Massachusetts,” “A Plea for Captain John Brown,” and “Life Without Principle.” Taken together, they reveal the astounding range, subtlety, artistry, and depth of thought of this true American original. Includes a Modern Library Reading Group Guide

Originally published in 1849 under the title 'Resistance to Civil Government', Thoreau's electrifying work is perhaps the most famous essay in American literature.

With their call for "Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!," for self-honesty, and for harmony with nature, the writings of Henry David Thoreau are perhaps the most influential philosophical works in all American literature. The Selections in this volume represent Thoreau at his best. Included in their entirety are Walden, his indisputable masterpiece, and his two great arguments for nonconformity, "Civil Disobedience" and "Life Without Principle." A lifetime of brilliant observation of nature–and of himself–is recorded in selections from A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, Cape Cod, The Maine Woods, and the Journal.

The essays are framed within Thoreau's journey of self-examination and the historical debates surrounding slavery. Nancy L. Rosenblum explores key themes of citizenship and resistance, highlighting Thoreau's lasting impact on political philosophy and activism. Through this analysis, readers gain insight into how Thoreau's ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of civic engagement and social justice.

Walden is his autobiographical record of his life of relative isolation at Walden Pond, but it is also a work of detailed natural history and the expression of a philosophy of life by a deeply poetic sensibility. His essay, 'Civil Disobedience', has over the 150 or so years since its publication exerted an enormous influence.

The book presents a compelling plea for Captain John Brown, delivered to the citizens of Concord, Massachusetts in 1859. It captures the historical significance of Brown's actions and their impact on the abolitionist movement. The text has been meticulously reformatted and retyped for clarity, ensuring that this important work remains accessible and legible for contemporary and future readers. Alpha Editions aims to preserve this classic piece of literature, emphasizing its lasting relevance in human history.

Based on Thoreau's experiences in the forests of Maine on three separate occasions in 1846, 1853 and 1857, The Maine Woods is a captivating portrait of the region in the mid-1800s. Rich with the naturalistic detail that is common with Thoreau's writing, readers will delight in the exquisiteness with which Thoreau relates his experiences in nature. The Maine Woods is a classic work that will enchant lovers of nature for years to come.

"For I believe that climate does thus react on man — as there is something in the mountain air that feeds the spirit and inspires. Henry David Thoreau's Walking began as a lecture in 1851 and ultimately appeared in The Atlantic Monthly in 1862, shortly after the author's death. The impassioned essay, which praises the merits of time spent in nature, has become one of the most influential works of the modern environmentalist movement. Thoreau's view of walking in nature as a self-reflective activity invites readers to embark on their own ramble in order to gain a "wild and dusky" self-knowledge unattainable elsewhere. Americans felt the pressures of a changing world even in the relatively slow-paced 1800s, and Thoreau proposed balancing social stress with unhurried wanderings in fields and woods. His writings, from Civil Disobedience to Walden, remain popular because of their enduring relevance, and Walking bears a special resonance for modern readers who may have become disconnected from the natural world.

The narrative recounts a boat journey along the Concord and Merrimack Rivers that Thoreau undertook with his brother John in 1839. Through vivid descriptions of nature and reflections on life, the book serves as both a travelogue and a tribute to John's memory after his untimely death. Thoreau's philosophical musings and observations on the beauty of the landscape intertwine with themes of brotherhood and loss, creating a poignant exploration of human connection and the natural world.

In addition to the texts of "Walden" and "Civil Disobedience", this title reprints the important works, "Slavery in Massachusetts", "Walking" and "Wild Apples". It includes the best critical writing on the texts by nineteen contributors.

This handsome, affordable paperback edition is based on the original 1854 edition with emendations taken from Thoreau's draft manuscripts, his own markings on page proofs, and notes in his personal copy of the book.

A highly descriptive and engaging narrative from one of America's beloved nature writers, this short piece shows well Thoreau's great love of the early American wilderness. Be transported to the deep woods of Maine and share in both Thoreau's delight in nature and also his admiration of those others who have a deeper connection with the natural world around them.

In 1845 Henry David Thoreau left his home town of Concord, Massachusetts to begin a new life alone, in a rough hut he built himself a mile and a half away on the north-west shore of Walden Pond. Walden is Thoreau's classic autobiographical account of this experiment in solitary living, his refusal to play by the rules of hard work and the accumulation of wealth and above all the freedom it gave him to adapt his living to the natural world around him

ENDURING LITERATURE ILLUMINATED BY PRACTICAL SCHOLARSHIP Naturalist and philosopher Thoreau's timeless essays on the role of humanity -- in the world of nature, and in society and government. EACH ENRICHED CLASSIC EDITION INCLUDES: • A concise introduction that gives readers important background information • A chronology of the author's life and work • A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context • An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations • Detailed explanatory notes • Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work • Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction • A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience Enriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential. SERIES EDITED BY CYNTHIA BRANTLEY JOHNSON

Walden (first published as Walden; or, Life in the Woods) is an American book written by noted transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings. The work is part personal declaration of independence, social experiment, voyage of spiritual discovery, satire, and manual for self-reliance. First published in 1854, it details Thoreau's experiences over the course of two years, two months, and two days in a cabin he built near Walden Pond, amidst woodland owned by his friend and mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson, near Concord, Massachusetts. The book compresses the time into a single calendar year and uses passages of four seasons to symbolize human development.

Approaching a liberal arts tradition in the classroom, across the curriculum, and beyond, The McGraw-Hill Reader offers rich and diverse readings in education, the social sciences, business and economics, the humanities, and the sciences. This new eleventh edition offers a new focus on reading and composing across various media; it includes over 100 selections from prominent thinkers and writers; each essay was chosen to provoke critical thought and encourage effective writing.

Focusing on simple living and self-reliance, this influential work recounts Henry David Thoreau's two-year experiment in a cabin by Walden Pond. Set in the natural beauty of Concord, Massachusetts, it explores themes of independence, spirituality, and social critique. Through personal reflections and observations, Thoreau presents a unique blend of autobiography, philosophy, and practical guidance, making it a cornerstone of American literature and transcendentalist thought.

The narrative captures Henry Thoreau's journey of self-discovery while living in a cabin owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson for over two years. Blending social experiment and satire, it explores themes of simplicity, nature, and individualism, serving as a guide to self-reliance and a critique of modern society. Through his reflections, Thoreau invites readers to consider the value of solitude and the natural world in the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Exploring the natural history of the apple tree, this classic essay delves into the relationship between humanity and nature as observed by Henry David Thoreau. Through rich descriptions and insightful reflections, it examines the cultural significance of apples and their wild varieties, highlighting themes of beauty, simplicity, and the importance of nature in everyday life. Thoreau's keen observations invite readers to appreciate the intrinsic value of the natural world and its impact on human existence.

In 1839, Thoreau embarked on a memorable boating journey with his brother, which later inspired his reflections while living in a cabin at Walden Pond. Drawing from his notes and journal entries, he crafted his first book, capturing the essence of nature and self-discovery. This work intertwines personal experience with philosophical insights, showcasing Thoreau's deep connection to the natural world and his contemplative approach to life.

The essay delves into the moral responsibilities of individuals in the face of unjust government actions, particularly regarding slavery and the Mexican War. Thoreau challenges readers to reflect on their own conscience and the necessity of civil disobedience in a free society. Its themes of individual rights and governmental limits remain relevant, echoing in modern debates about personal responsibility and activism against injustice.

Set in a cabin by Walden Pond, the narrative chronicles Henry David Thoreau's two-year experiment in simple living and self-reliance. It explores themes of independence and spiritual discovery while reflecting on the beauty of nature. Blending personal insights with social critique, the work serves as both a philosophical manifesto and a practical guide for those seeking a more intentional, nature-centered life.

This collection features four of Henry David Thoreau's most significant works, showcasing his profound insights on nature, society, and individualism. Readers will explore themes of simplicity, self-reliance, and the importance of personal introspection. Thoreau's eloquent prose invites reflection on the relationship between humanity and the natural world, making this anthology a cornerstone for those interested in transcendentalism and environmental philosophy. Ideal for both new readers and longtime fans, it highlights Thoreau's enduring legacy.

Set against a backdrop of relentless adventure, this book captures the essence of exploration and the thrill of the unknown. It invites readers to embark on a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and the spirit of discovery. The narrative weaves together themes of courage, resilience, and the unyielding quest for knowledge, showcasing characters who embrace the call to adventure and face the trials that come with it. This tale promises to inspire those with a passion for exploration and a love for the great unknown.

Exploring themes of simplicity and self-reliance, the book reflects on Thoreau's experience of living in nature. It serves as a personal declaration of independence and a social experiment, offering insights into spiritual discovery and critique of societal norms. The narrative blends philosophical musings with practical guidance, encouraging readers to embrace a life closer to nature and to cultivate individualism.

Reinvigorating a classic American tale, this edition breathes new life into the original narrative, emphasizing its enduring themes and relevance. The book explores profound societal issues through its rich characters and compelling plot, inviting readers to reflect on the cultural and historical context that shaped its creation. Enhanced with fresh insights and modern interpretations, it offers a captivating experience for both new readers and those familiar with the original work, making it a significant addition to contemporary literature.

This book is a reproduction of a historical work, published by Megali, a company dedicated to creating large print editions for those with impaired vision. The focus on accessibility ensures that important texts remain available to a wider audience, enhancing the reading experience for individuals who may struggle with standard print sizes.

Set against a backdrop of an enchanting evening, the narrative explores the profound connection between the individual and nature. The protagonist experiences a heightened sense of freedom and unity with the natural world, feeling every sensation deeply. This immersive relationship with the environment invites readers to reflect on the beauty of existence and the joy derived from being part of something larger. The text captures the essence of living fully in the moment, celebrating the sensory delights that nature offers.

This book is a reproduction of a historical work, presented in large print to enhance accessibility for readers with impaired vision. Published by Megali, a company dedicated to making classic literature more readable, it aims to preserve the original content while catering to the needs of those who benefit from larger text.

Focusing on simple living amidst nature, this work blends personal reflection, social experimentation, and spiritual exploration. It serves as a declaration of independence and a satirical take on society, while also offering insights into self-reliance. Through his experiences, Thoreau invites readers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world and the complexities of modern life.

This publication focuses on making historical works more accessible by utilizing large print, catering specifically to individuals with impaired vision. Megali, the publishing house behind this initiative, aims to preserve and share important texts while enhancing readability for a broader audience.

Engaging with Thoreau's exploration of self-reliance and self-discovery, this edition invites readers to actively participate in the text. With ample space for personal reflections, it transforms the reading experience into a dynamic dialogue between the reader and Thoreau's philosophy. This approach encourages deeper understanding and personal insight, aiming to inspire readers to live deliberately and reflectively. It's designed not just as a book, but as a practical tool for studying a cornerstone of American literature.

This volume compiles key writings of Transcendentalism, showcasing the philosophical and literary contributions of influential figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. It explores themes of individuality, nature, and self-reliance, highlighting the movement's emphasis on personal intuition and spiritual connection to the world. The collection serves as an essential resource for understanding the ideals that shaped American thought and culture in the 19th century.

Thoreau emphasizes his desire to live reflectively and authentically, seeking to learn from life and avoid a superficial existence. He values life deeply and aims to embrace it fully, rejecting anything that detracts from true living.

In "Life Without Principle," Henry David Thoreau critiques society's obsession with wealth and advocates for a life focused on meaningful living. Though initially overlooked, his ideas have inspired leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. This essay remains essential for anyone seeking guidance on a fulfilling life.

"Walden" chronicles Thoreau's two-year retreat in a cabin by Walden Pond, exploring themes of simple living and self-reflection through the seasons. His essay "Civil Disobedience" advocates for individual conscience against unjust government, while "Walking" emphasizes the spiritual necessity of nature and self-discovery away from society.

This is a beautiful, full illustrated edition of Walden', an American classic about seeking the essential facts of life'.

A thoughtfully researched, movingly presented dual–biography of two iconic American writers, each trying to find the ideal friend with whom they could share their journey through our imperfect world. Any biography that concentrates on either Henry David Thoreau or Ralph Waldo Emerson tends to diminish the other figure, but in Solid Seasons both men remain central and equal. Through several decades of writing, friendship remained a primary theme for them both. Collecting extracts from the letters and journals of both men, as well as words written about them by their contemporaries, Jeffrey S. Cramer beautifully illustrates the full nature of their twenty–five–year dialogue. Biographers like to point at the crisis in their friendship, focusing particularly on Thoreau's disappointment in Emerson—rarely on Emerson's own disappointment in Thoreau—and leaving it there, a friendship ruptured. But the solid seasons remained, as is evident when, in 1878, Anne Burrows Gilchrist, the English writer and friend of Whitman, visited Emerson. She wrote that his memory was failing "as to recent names and topics but as is usual in such cases all the mental impressions that were made when he was in full vigour remain clear and strong." As they chatted, Emerson called to his wife, Lidian, in the next room, "What was the name of my best friend?" "Henry Thoreau," she answered. "Oh, yes," Emerson repeated. "Henry Thoreau."

Walden (1854), Henry David Thoreau's landmark meditation on the importance of solitude, reflection, and proximity to nature, is presented in this Norton Library edition alongside three of the author's most influential political essays: "Civil Disobedience, Slavery in Massachusetts, and A Plea for Captain John Brown. An introduction by Jedediah Britton-Purdy (Columbia University) reacquaints Thoreau to the contemporary reader with a nuanced account of his historical and intellectual contexts, inviting a new generation to connect with the transcendentalist's timeless philosophy.

""Resistance to Civil Government" ("Civil Disobedience") is an essay by American transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau that was first published in 1849"--Amazon

Celebrating the beauty and intricacies of the natural world, this collection features the works of Henry David Thoreau, a renowned American philosopher and naturalist. His poems reflect a deep appreciation for nature, exploring themes of solitude, observation, and the interconnectedness of life. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflections, Thoreau invites readers to connect with the environment and contemplate their place within it.

A beautifully distilled version of Thoreau's most important work, Walden, that became one of the most influential and compelling books in American literature. The royalties from each sale will be donated to the Walden Woods Project, a public land trust working to preserve the land around Walden Pond. Two-color interior. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.

Ein Paar Stiefel, eine Hose, ein Teller und nichts als die eigene Gesellschaft: Um eine Existenz in Einfachheit und Bewusstheit zu erproben, zog sich Thoreau zwei Jahre lang in die Wälder Neuenglands zurück. Seine unvoreingenommenen Beobachtungen und mutigen Einsichten sind 200 Jahre alt und wie für uns heute geschrieben.

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) nació en Concord, Massachusetts, y estudió en Harvard. Seguidor y amigo de Emerson se definió a sí mismo como un místico, un trascendentalista y un filósofo de la naturaleza. «Walden» está considerada como una obra literaria maestra y como uno de los libros seminales de su siglo. Antiesclavista militante, toda su obra se centra en la búsqueda de la «vida con principios», principios que serán el criterio de cómo debe ser vivida —con la honradez del trabajo como medio para ganarse la vida—, una vida que él explora y experimenta a través del estudio y la comprensión de la Naturaleza. El 4 de julio de 1845, Thoreau se traslada a vivir en la cabaña que él mismo había construido en Walden Pond. Durante dos años escribe allí la obra homónima en la que describe su economía doméstica, sus experimentos en agricultura, sus visitantes y vecinos, las plantas y la vida salvaje. La obra de Thoreau es la historia de un experimento original, sin precedentes literarios. «Walden» es un modo de escribir, de ponerse a «disposición de las palabras», pero también es una Escritura, una forma de aprender lo que la vida tiene que enseñar.

Das Buch enthält die Schrift: "Leben Ohne Prinzipien" In neuer Übersetzung. Kommentierte Ausgabe: - Ausführliche Anmerkungen zur Neuübersetzung, - Hinweise zu historischen Hintergründen des Werkes - und zu den Bedeutungen verschiedener Textabschnitte.

Im Sommer 1845 zieht der amerikanische Schriftsteller, Philosoph und Freigeist Henry David Thoreau in den Wald, genauer: in eine selbstgebaute Blockhütte am Walden-See in Massachusetts, einsam gelegen und fernab von den Einflüssen einer schon damals immer schneller und lauter werdenden Zivilisation. Thoreaus Gedanken über Nachhaltigkeit und ein einfaches, freies Dasein zählen zu den Gründungstexten der Umweltbewegung. Sie sind eine Unabhängigkeitserklärung, ein soziales Experiment und eine spirituelle Entdeckungsreise, heute noch genauso existentiell wie damals. – Mit einer kompakten Biographie des Autors.

Im Herbst 1853 unterbricht Henry David Thoreau die Arbeit an dem Manuskript seines wichtigsten Werks, »Walden«, um in die Wälder von Maine zurückzukehren. Schon einmal, sieben Jahre zuvor, hat er sich dorthin aufgemacht, um den »Großen Berg« zu besteigen (dt. »Ktaadn«, 2017), nun gilt sein Interesse den Elchen - und neben diesen majestätischen und scheuen Tieren den Ureinwohnern, ihrer Lebensweise und Sprache, sowie den ausgedehnten Kiefernwäldern, die zunehmend Spuren ökonomischer Vernutzung zeigen. Thoreau hat einen Blick für diese Verheerungen und macht sich keine Illusionen darüber, was sie für Mensch und Natur bedeuten, aber er bewegt sich mit der Achtsamkeit eines Gastes und der Lust eines Entdeckers durch diese Landschaft, als hätte sie vor ihm noch keiner betreten. Die Notizen, die er dabei macht, werden später unter dem Titel »Chesuncook« zu einem Vortrag, dessen Humor und Empfindungsreichtum, dessen Lebendigkeit und Ernst begeistern. Während seinen Begleitern der getötete Elch vom Fell bis zum Geweih zur Trophäe wird, bringt Thoreau als Andenken seiner Reise Schneeschuhe mit.

Wofür lebe ich – und lebe ich überhaupt richtig? Der amerikanische Schriftsteller Henry David Thoreau beantwortete diese Frage, indem er sich zwei Jahre lang tief in die Wälder von Massachusetts zurückzog, um eine Existenz in Einfachheit und Bewusstheit zu erproben. In seinem berühmten Buch »Walden« von 1854, dem die Texte dieses Bandes entnommen sind, hat er seine Erfahrungen vom »alternativen« Leben mitgeteilt. Es hat Menschen vieler Generationen Wege zurück zur Natur und zum freien Betätigen des Verstandes gewiesen – und regt noch heute dazu an.

Pflichtlektüre für alle Fortschrittsskeptiker, Sinnsucher, Weltflüchtige sowie Wald- und Naturliebhaber Ein Klassiker von enormer Brisanz: ein leidenschaftliches Plädoyer für Verantwortung, Selbstbestimmung und ein naturnahes, ressourcenschonendes Leben. Nirgendwo finden sich die besseren Argumente für Achtsamkeit und Nachhaltigkeit, Minimalismus und Vegetarismus. Was ist im Leben wirklich von Bedeutung? Um dies herauszufinden, kehrte Henry David Thoreau vor über hundertfünfzig Jahren der Zivilisation den Rücken und zog hinaus in die Stille der Wälder. Am Walden-See in Concord, Massachusetts, verbrachte er zwei Jahre in einer selbst gebauten Holzhütte, um «zu sehen, ob ich nicht lernen könne, was es zu lernen gibt, damit mir in der Stunde des Todes die Entdeckung erspart bleibe, nicht gelebt zu haben». Der grandiose Selbsterfahrungsbericht «Walden» legt Zeugnis von seiner Suche ab: mit sensiblen, poetischen Naturbeschreibungen und dem glaubhaften Plädoyer für echte Naturverbundenheit und ein selbstbestimmtes Dasein. Längst ist dieses Buch zu einer Art grüner Bibel geworden, in der man die besten Argumente für Nachhaltigkeit, Ökologie, Vegetarismus und Minimalismus findet.

Als Henry David Thoreau sich 1857 entschließt, gemeinsam mit einem Freund die Urwälder von Maine zu durchqueren, heuert er einen Penobscot an. Joseph Polis heißt der Mann, er hat ein Kanu, und er ist genau der Richtige für die nicht ungefährliche Expedition durch die Wälder, Sümpfe und Seen. Versehen mit dem nötigen Proviant und der richtigen Kleidung, machen sie sich auf ihren Weg durch das unentdeckte Land. Thoreau lernt viel auf dem Weg, nicht zuletzt durch »Joe« an seiner Seite, der uraltes Wissen und die Vorteile der Zivilisation zu verbinden weiß. Er erkennt, was ihm die Sprache der Natur vermitteln kann, wenn er ihre Zeichen zu deuten und ihren vielen Stimmen zu lauschen versteht. Ein faszinierender Bericht aus der Zeit der wahren Entdeckung Amerikas und aus der Feder eines großen Vordenkers des gelingenden Lebens.

In dieser Sammlung von sowohl klassischen Texten als auch zum Teil auf deutsch noch nicht erschienenen Essays macht Thoreau eindringlich auf die Notwendigkeit persönlicher Verantwortung und höherer Prinzipien aufmerksam, durch die man sich führen kann und muss, wenn die Welt chaotisch und unbegreiflich scheint. Genau das macht Thoreau zu einem die Zeiten überdauernden Philosophen, da wir auch heute noch bei ihm Hinweise darauf finden, wie wir ein Leben im Einklang mit der Umwelt führen können.

Am Ende des Sommers 1846 macht sich Henry David Thoreau auf in den Norden. Was als Reise beginnt, mit Eisenbahn und Dampfschiff, setzt sich auf Pferd und Wagen, im Kanu und schließlich zu Fuß fort und wird nach und nach zu einer Expedition. Sein Ziel: »Der große Berg«, 1606 Meter hoch, der höchste Punkt von Maine - Ktaadn, wie er in der Sprache der Ureinwohner heißt. Der Weg führt durch unkartiertes Gebiet, durch eine labyrinthische Landschaft von Seen und Flüssen und die ausgedehnten Wälder einer weitgehend unberührten und unwegsamen Natur. Die Grenzen menschlicher Lebensräume sind bald überschritten, es geht tiefer und tiefer in die Wildnis. Die letzten Zeichen der Zivilisation, vom Alkohol zugrunde gerichtete Indianer, die Spuren der Holzfäller und Pelzhändler, zeugen von Gier und Zerstörungswut. Und doch erscheint Thoreau die Natur in ihrer ganzen Vielfalt und Ausdehnung davon unberührt und gleichgültig - gleichgültig auch gegenüber den Fragen, die sich dem stellen, der sich ihr ungeschützt aussetzt: »Wer sind wir? Wo sind wir?«

»Alles Gute ist wild und frei!« Thoreaus berühmter Essay gilt in seiner zivilisationskritischen Haltung als eine der Gründungsurkunden des Naturschutzes.