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Walden

Walden

Walden, or Life in the woods (lu se ching tien wen kʻu)
Narrative non-fictionBiography & MemoirClassics
Pages
320
Published
1854
Language
English

Synopsis

In 1854, Henry David Thoreau retreated to a small cabin near Walden Pond for a profound experiment in simple living. This book is his account of that time, blending keen observations of nature with a powerful declaration of self-reliance. It's a journey into solitude, a critique of society, and a guide to finding meaning in the natural world.

Genres

Biography & Memoir Classics Essays Nature Philosophy Biography Philosophy & Religion History

About the author

H
Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau (born David Henry Thoreau) was an American author, poet, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, historian, philosopher, and leading transcendentalist. He is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay, Civil Disobedience, an argument for individual resistance to civil government in moral opposition to an unjust state. Thoreau's books, articles, essays, journals, and poetry total over 20 volumes. Am...

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Walden based on a true story?

    Walden is a non-fiction account of Henry David Thoreau's two-year experiment living in a cabin he built near Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. It details his experiences and reflections during that period.

  • How does Walden relate to Thoreau's other works?

    Walden is often considered a companion piece to Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience," as both works explore themes of individualism, societal critique, and the importance of personal conscience, though through different lenses.

  • Is Walden taught in schools?

    Walden is a widely studied text in American literature and philosophy courses, frequently appearing on high school and college syllabi due to its exploration of transcendentalism, environmentalism, and social critique.

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