Contemporary Notices and Reviews of 
Walden; or, Life in the Woods
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"New Publications"
Olive Branch [Boston] (12 August 1854): p. 3, cols. 3-4

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             This is indeed a quaint book, as any person, who is in the least familiar with the character of the author, might expect.

             It gives a full account of his experience during his sojourn on the shore of Walden Pond, in Concord, Mass.

             Having imbibed the idea that the daily life of his neighbors, with its cares, its trials and its conformity to fashion and custom was little better than a penance, he made himself a home in that secluded spot. He built a house, which cost him about thirty dollars; furnished it scantily and began to keep "bachelor's hall."  There in his solitary abode he read the great book of Nature; watched the stars, the birds and the waters, and mused and philosophized after his own fashion.  Besides, he had a small piece of land near this cottage, which he cultivated, and which yielded him a small harvest.  His expenditures for food and clothing were very trifling, and it will no doubt, astonish many to know that so moderate a sum supported a person two years.  He gives the details of his life and we presume they will entertain the reader as they have us.

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