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The Thoreau You Don't Know: What the Prophet of Environmentalism Really Meant
The Thoreau You Don't Know What the Prophet of Environmentalism Really Meant
Author: Robert Sullivan
Henry David Thoreau is one of those authors that readers think they know, even if they don't. He's the solitary curmudgeon with the shack out in the woods, the mystic worshipping solemnly in the quiet church of nature. He's our national Natural Man, the prophet of environmentalism. But here Robert Sullivan?who himself has been called an "urban T...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780061710315
ISBN-10: 0061710318
Publication Date: 3/1/2009
Pages: 368
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
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3.5 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: Collins
Book Type: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 0
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Robert Sullivan takes the reader on a tour of Henry David Thoreaus life a tour very different from those who co-opt Thoreaus for some political or philosophical end (i.e., environmentalists, politicians, etc.).

What we learn is that Thoreau was actually a bit of a nerd (or seen to be by his contemporaries such as Emerson). We learn that Thoreaus venture into the woods was much more leisurely and much less extreme an adventure than one would think just by reading select excerpts in American Literature high school anthologies.

We learn about Thoreau, the man, full of complexities and contradictions. Less pure icon. More pure human. But a human being way ahead of his time.

Those with any interest in Thoreau at all, will likely find this an interesting read.


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