Henry David Thoreau : a very short introduction / Lawrence Buell.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Buell, Lawrence, author.

Series:

Very short introductions

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Thoreau, Henry David, 1817-1862.

Thoreau, Henry David.

Thoreau, Henry David, 1817-1862--Criticism and interpretation.

Authors, American--19th century--Biography.

Authors, American.

Transcendentalists (New England)--Biography.

Transcendentalists (New England).

American literature--19th century--History and criticism.

American literature.

Civil disobedience in literature.

Transcendentalism (New England).

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

New York : Oxford University Press, [2025]

Summary:

"Henry David Thoreau: A Very Short Introduction highlights Thoreau as a key figure in the American Transcendentalist movement and an influential thinker whose work continues to resonate globally. His masterpiece Walden chronicles his two-year experiment in simple living, blending nature writing with philosophical reflection. Thoreau's work provokes polarized reactions, from admiration for his environmental foresight to criticism of his perceived individualism. This VSI explores key themes in Thoreau's writings, including self-reliance, nonconformity, and environmental consciousness, while acknowledging the controversies surrounding his life and legacy. It situates Thoreau within both his historical moment and the broader literary tradition"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Life and mythmaking

Essential Thoreau

Antebellum America, transcendentalism, Emerson

The writer

The turn to science

The political Thoreau

Matters of faith.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Online resource; title from PDF title page (Oxford Academic, viewed April 22, 2026).

Other Format:

Print version: Buell, Lawrence. Henry David Thoreau

ISBN:

9780197548202

0197548202

9780197548219

0197548210

OCLC:

1504838104

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license