Simplify, Simplify and Other Quotations from Henry David Thoreau [Hardcover]

Henry David Thoreau (Author), K.P. Van Anglen (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1996

Sampling from Walden, "Civil Disobedience," The Maine Woods, and Henry David Thoreau's abolitionist and nature writings, letters, and other texts, Kevin P. Van Anglen distills the intellectual's immense, creative, clever, and surprisingly progressive thought into 750 quotations, offering a concise and straightforward introduction to his profound philosophy. Addressing subjects ranging from English literature, the act of reading, and the art of love to independence, ecology, and democratic government, Thoreau was a true original writing at a time of burgeoning American exceptionalism, and his incomparable insight continues to thrill readers from all generations and backgrounds.

Editorial Reviews

Review

As Kevin P. Van Anglen shows, Henry David Thoreau's passionate commitment to truth and to the integrity of the self has made his influence endure; reformers and writers like Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Rachel Carson all were inspired by the example of his person, his beliefs, and his writings.

(Harvard Review )

A brilliant new sampling of Thoreau's words... this collection stands as a document unto itself.... There is little that is routine or simplistic about this lovingly constructed -- not to mention remarkably attractive -- text. Van Anglen recognizes the breadth of intellect that underpinned the writings and utterances of Thoreau.

(The Capital Times )

About the Author

K. P. Van Anglen is the author of The New England Milton: Literary Reception and Cultural Authority in the Early Republic and an editor of The Writings of Henry D. Thoreau. He is also the coeditor of Environment: An Interdisciplinary Anthology. He currently teaches English and American literature at Boston University and serves as an editor of the journal Religion and the Arts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 196 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (April 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231103883
• ISBN-13: 978-0231103886
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,191,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thoreau's qoutes revisited, July 25, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Simplify, Simplify and Other Quotations from Henry David Thoreau (Hardcover)

While this is a helpful collection of Thoreau's thoughts, it should be pointed out that the claim by Midwest Book Reviews is a little off base. The book, Thoughts of Thoreau, by Edwin Way Teale was published and then re-issued several years ago. It is the single best collection of Thoreau quotes to date. They are arranged by a long list of categories that the reader finds most user friendly. Not to take away from the book in question, this is only submitted to set the record straight.
Tom Potter