Canoeing in the wilderness

Henry David Thoreau

Sep 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

Henry David Thoreau's 'Canoeing in the Wilderness' is a meticulous chronicle of the author's 1857 journey through the Maine woods, documenting with poetic and transcendental finesse the natural landscape he traverses. Regarded as one of the seminal works in environmental literature, Thoreau's narrative not only delves into the pristine and untouched wilderness but also integrates his profound reflections on humanity's relationship with nature. Bathed in the literary context of American Romanticism, and echoing the burgeoning appreciation for the environment that characterized the period, Thoreau's work is a masterful blend of observation, philosophy, and the rich, descriptive prose that is a hallmark of his style. A figurehead of American literature and philosophy, Henry David Thoreau is inextricably linked with his seminal work, 'Walden.' In 'Canoeing in the Wilderness,' Thoreau extends his contemplation of the bond between man and nature. Composed during a formative period in the United States when industrialization was reshaping society, Thoreau's writings advocate for a deeper, spiritual connection with the natural world, serving as a preemptive voice for conservation and simplicity before such ideas became widespread. His intimate knowledge of the American landscape and dedication to a life of simplicity and self-sufficiency underpin the vivid portrayals and meditations within this text. This edition of 'Canoeing in the Wilderness' is a treasure for readers who cherish wilderness travel, and it's an essential addition to the library of any enthusiast of American literature and philosophy. Thoreau's insights and the serene cadence of his writing make this book not just a travelogue but a timeless reflection on living deliberate and meaningful lives. Scholars and lay readers alike will find Thoreau's journey a compelling invitation to appreciate the beauty of nature and consider our places within it. DigiCat Publishing revitalizes this work, aligning its commitment to legacy with Thoreau's own commitment to the wilds he revered. This volume is as much an expedition for the soul as it is a significant cultural artifact.

About the author

Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) was an American essayist, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, and historian. A leading transcendentalist, Thoreau is best known for his book 'Walden,' a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay 'Civil Disobedience,' an argument for disobedience to an unjust state. Thoreau's philosophy of civil disobedience later influenced the political thoughts and actions of notable figures such as Leo Tolstoy, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. Born in Concord, Massachusetts, Thoreau was a graduate of Harvard University where he studied classics and philosophy. Following his graduation, Thoreau worked in the family pencil manufacturing business before pursuing a career as a poet and writer. 'Canoeing in the Wilderness', another example of his work, chronicles Thoreau's experiences on a canoe trip into the Maine woods and reflects his deep engagement with nature and his contemplative life. Thoreau's literary style combines natural observation, personal experience, pointed rhetoric, symbolic meanings, and historical lore, while displaying a poetic sensibility, philosophical austerity, and Yankee attention to practical detail. His emphasis on the interconnectedness of nature, society, and the individual was a profound contribution to American literature and thought, continuing to resonate with audiences today.