Walden; Or, Life in the Woods (Dover Thrift Editions) Paperback – Unabridged, April 12, 1995

Review of ANNOTATED EDITION, not of Thoreau's work

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MonarchMom

November 27, 2015

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Review of ANNOTATED EDITION, not of Thoreau's work. Potentially great idea. Many of the annotations were superficial or unnecessary, although others helpful. Biggest problem with this is the printer's layout, which has two careless oversights: size and position on page. Two pages of text have been squeezed onto a single page (to allow the side-by-side commentary), resulting in tiny print. Tough on anyone over 40. Then, the printer left wide margins on the *outside* of the page, and squeezed Thoreau's text into the binding. Really foolish use of the available space.

The result is something that could have been fascinating being just plain awkward and unsatisfying to handle and read.

28 people found this helpful

A beautiful and inspiring book.

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Wendy Risher

November 8, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

It was a wonderful experience to actually feel like I was there with Thoreau at Walden Pond. The way he studied and described simply living and the appreciation of nature fits right into my values. I loved having insight to a life that took place so many years ago through his eyes, and with his mind and heart. He expresses his beliefs about life and society so eloquently. At times he goes into great detail in his observations, but then masterfully makes a valid point that is truly inspiring. This is a book that really makes you think about the purpose of our existence in this world, our values, and how we should live.

11 people found this helpful

A brilliant classic by a brilliant man.

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Anna M.

March 19, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

One of my favorite books by Henry David Thoreau. The illustrations add to it nicely and the cover and binding seem well made. This book is excellent for anyone who loves the idea of escaping from society and finding yourself. It serves as a reminder that as modern society advances, we become almost less human, going about the motions rather than living and experiencing all that life and nature has to offer. Great book for any avid nature lover.

9 people found this helpful

I'd like the WHOLE book, please.

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Llama

March 13, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

"Even the Chinese philosopher was wise enough to regard the individual as the basis of the empire."

That is the sentence missing from the 45th (final) paragraph of Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience." Here I am, reading aloud in class, when suddenly I am interrupted with the report that I skipped a sentence in the text. No, I did not skip a sentence ... it simply wasn't there.

When I buy a book, for a dollar or fifty dollars, I want the entire book. I will be requesting a refund, and deleting this version from my Kindle, before more omissions are brought to light at my expense.

74 people found this helpful

it was nonetheless among the best, how could it not be when it comes ...

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Jeff Titelius

July 8, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Undoubtedly one of the most challenging of books I have read, it was nonetheless among the best, how could it not be when it comes to Thoreau. Stumbled upon of his quotes today and found it uncanny to say the least, "Whatever sentence will bear to be read twice, we may be sure was thought twice." And that couldn't be more true when it comes to Walden as I found myself having to reread many a paragraph to understand his complex sentences that seem to extend beyond half the page. Now layer in the fact that the book was originally published in 1854, and you have the recipe for a most demanding read that will delight, enlighten and inspire any reader who dares to take on the challenge!

As the story goes, Walden is tale about the time Thoreau spent in his cabin along the shores of Walden pond during his latter 20s. During his two years, he reflects upon his surrounds with his transcendental insights into humanity. Sometimes cynical, sometimes complacent, Thoreau nonetheless weaves together his discoveries about the nature of the earth and that of humanity as whole. From his point of view on the economies of his little cabin and that of 19th-century man to the change of the seasons and the visitors who darken his humble doorway.

If you enjoy brilliant writing despite the aforementioned challenges, this is a must-read for all lovers of classic literature!

3 people found this helpful

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March 8, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

It took me a while to warm up to this book, but after I did, I considered it a pleasant read each night before going to bed. Still, as it is considered an American classic, I was hoping for more. What that "more" is, I'm not quite sure. Perhaps clearer and more profound insights. Much of the time it reads like an agreeable diary with good (sometimes laborious) observations of the world he encountered at Walden Pond. I did enjoy his accounting of how much his cabin cost to build and the money he raised from growing crops. A very different world then.

7 people found this helpful

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February 28, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

After reading this you realize how low current academic standards are. Thoreau had such a broad education. Makes you wonder if the current generation will produce anyone like him.

7 people found this helpful

Bought for son's English class

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