Walden [Audiobook, Classical] [Audio CD]

Thoreau (Author), Hope (Author)

Book Description

In 1845 Henry David Thoreau, one of the principal New England Transcendentalists, left the town for the country. Beside the lake of Walden, he built himself a log cabin and returned to nature, to observe and reflect - while surviving on eight dollars a year. From this experience emerged one of the great classics of American literature, a deeply personal reaction against the commercialism and materialism that he saw as the main impulses of mid-19th century America.

--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up-Henry David Thoreau's classic, first published in 1854 and reporting on his experiences at the eponymous site where he lived in physical and social independence during the mid-1840's, receives refreshing treatment here. William Hope reads leisurely but with feeling, offering listeners the illusion that the author is speaking directly to them. The abridgements are not substantive, so listeners will feel that they have become acquainted with the complexities of a text that is both orderly and sprinkled with irony and other literary devices. The chapters are tastefully set off by musical interludes that complement Thoreau's own rhythms. Not only is this an excellent alternative for students assigned to read the text that is often offered in tiny print without benefit of margins, but it is also possible to suggest this to thoughtful teens who are seeking an intellectually engaging listening experience for their personal enjoyment. Hope's pacing invites readers with minimal skills to accompany their print foray with his narration. The careful editing here assures that they will not become lost between page and sound.
Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

From AudioFile

Walden is organized like a conversation. Thoreau moves from topic to topic in an easy flow, touching on politics, economics, and spirituality. William Hope's performance of the work brings out this quality wonderfully. Reading slowly, with regular pauses, as if engaged in a conversation with a close friend, Hope allows readers to hear the rhythms of Thoreau's prose. But however it rambles, WALDEN always returns to the loving descriptions of nature and insightful reflections on personal identity that Thoreau developed in his cabin by Walden Pond. This is an accessible adaptation of an American classic. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Naxos Records
• ASIN: B00005NNPO
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,931,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Read the Book!, November 28, 2007

By 

jd103 (Yellowstone) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walden (Naxos Audio) (Audio CD)

I have to disagree with the positive reviews above, but I'll admit I don't generally enjoy audio books and I couldn't get through much of this one.

The first problem for me is that it is Walden Lite. In the parts I listened to while following along in the text, all Thoreau's references and comments on mythology, history, etc. were eliminated. No doubt that makes it simpler to read and listen to, but it's not Walden. If you're not up to dealing with the whole book, just get a book of Thoreau quotes...don't listen to this and think you've heard Walden.

The biggest issue I had was that I simply didn't like the voice of the actor reading. It's hard to say why exactly, but I think I found it too high-pitched and affected. Never had the pleasure of hearing HDT's own voice of course, but I like to imagine it a lot more down to earth than this one.