The Winged Life : the Poetic Voice of Henry David Thoreau [Hardcover]

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA Nineteen selections, both prose and poetry, from Thoreau's journals, essays, and travel books celebrate the 140th anniversary of Thoreau's departure to Walden Pond. Bly's commentaries are succinct and insightful, and 17 stark black-and-white woodcuts complement the text. The selections are divided into five categories, each centering upon a stage of Thoreau's philosophy. The book operates at several levels, serving as an introduction for those new to Thoreau's works and as a powerful additional book for the many who already cherish the work of this New England rebel. Peggie Case Paulus, St. John's School, Houston
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Among The Worst Of Men That Ever Lived
At Midnight's Hour I Raised My Head
The Atlantides
Between The Traveller And The Setting Sun
The Chicadee
Each Summer Sound
Fog
Great Friend
Greater Is The Depth Of Sadness
Haze
I Am Bound, I Am Bound, For A Distant Shore
I Make Ye An Offer
I Sailed Up A River With A Pleasant Wind
I'm Thankful That My Life Doth Not Deceive
I've Heard My Neighbor's Pump At Night
In Adams Fall
In The East Fames Are Won
Inspiration (3)
Knowledge
Lines
Manhood
Mist
The Moon
The Moon Now Rises To Her Absolute Rule
My Books I'd Fain Cast Off, I Cannot Read, Sels.
My Prayer
Nature
The Needles Of The Pine
The Old Marlborough Road
On The Sun Coming Out In The Afternoon
The Rosa Sanguinea
Rumors From An Aeolian Harp
Smoke
Smoke In Winter
Tall Ambrosia
They Who Prepare My Evening Meal Below
To A Marsh Hawk In Spring
The Virgin
What's The Railroad To Me?
When In Some Cove I Lie
Winter Memories
You Must Not Only Aim Aright
-- Table of Poems from Poem Finder® --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 151 pages
• Publisher: Random House, Inc. (September 12, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871567628
• ISBN-13: 978-0871567628
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,201,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, elegant introduction to Thoreau and others, April 13, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Winged Life: The Poetic Voice of Henry David Thoreau (Paperback)

Not a biographical sketch of Thoreau in a typical sense, but in a poetic one. Every word Thoreau wrote was essential, and Robert Bly has selected rich, complex prose selections from "Walden" and other writings, along with Thoreau's little-published poetry, to shine light into the soul of one of our most important American writers. Beautifully illustrated with woodcuts, a careful positioning of text on the page - simple, elegant, compelling. Bly's comments on Thoreau's writings and life, and on the contexts in which Thoreau can be seen, provide an excellent structure to his large body of work, and a wonderful guide to further reading. If we had all started our high school readings of Thoreau with this book, there would be no market for the current plethora of books on simplifying life. Our "Waldens" would be well-worn. It's all here, simply, beautifully, essentially

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good intro or revisitation to Thoreau's outlooks on life, January 7, 2005

By 

Corinne H. Smith (Athol, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Winged Life : the Poetic Voice of Henry David Thoreau (Hardcover)

Dozens upon dozens of Thoreau quote books have been produced since his death. What makes this one soar above the rest? (a) Robert Bly's choice of selections, (b) his entertaining and insightful commentaries that begin each section, and (c) Michael McCurdy's exquisite woodcuts, suitable for framing. The reviewer for School Library Journal miscounted; nearly 100 prose and poem selections are presented here, illustrated by seven McCurdy woodcuts. Bly approaches Thoreau's writings in five ways, then adds examples of poetry, journal entries, and book excerpts to illustrate his analysis. His fresh approach will resound with ardent Thoreauvians and will encourage newcomers to read deeper into the work.

This book was originally published to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Thoreau's retreat to Walden Pond. It would make a great gift to someone who's read only "Walden."