Contemporary Notices and Reviews of 
Walden; or, Life in the Woods
_______

“Recent Publications” 
Morning Star [Dover, NH] (6 September 1854): p. 2, cols. 3-4

Messrs. Ticknor, Reed and Fields have issued a unique book, entitled, "Walden, or Life in the Woods." It is from the pen of Mr. Henry D. Thoreau, who built him a little cabin on the banks of Walden Pond, in Massachusetts, and fro some two or three years pursued a very primitive style of living. The book is a record of his doings and thinkings during this time; and has a spice of style and genius which often beguiles the reader on, he can hardly tell why. It forcibly illustrates how fictitious and unreal are many of even our supposed necessities; and on this account is to be hailed as a valuable contribution to our literature. But it is wanting in any earnest purpose; life seems to him altogether a thing to be played with, and thrown away when it fails—as under such circumstances it will, and besides contains some sentiments at war not only with society as it is, but as it should be. To those who are given to reflection, and who can properly both guard against error and sift out the wheat from the chaff, it will prove a profitable as well a pleasant book. 

Return to Henry D. Thoreau: Works: Walden
Return to Henry D. Thoreau: Works: Walden: Contemporary Notices and Reviews
Return to Henry D. Thoreau: Life & Writings

• Report errors to the Curator of Collections