Contemporary Notices and Reviews of 
Walden; or, Life in the Woods
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Portland Transcript (19 August 1854): 151.

Mr. Thoreau spent two years of his life alone in the woods, a mile from any neighbor, in a house which he built himself, on the shores of Walden pond in Concord, Mass. In a lecture which he delivered before our Lyceum, he gave some of the experiences of this episode in his life—and this book is that lecture revised and extended. It is the same quaint production of a crooked genius—only, a good deal more so. Beneath all its seemingly paradoxical philosophy, however, there is a stream of true thought, in which some of the illusions of civilization are clearly shown. We only wish some of our good dames who make themselves such complete slaves to their furniture and their "best rooms," would read Mr. Thoreau's chapter on household economy. We think tey might gather a few ideas there that would be of great advantage to them. This book contains many pleasant thoughts, quaintly expressed, some sound philosophy, and numerous passages of poetic power. It is thoroughly redolent of the woods, and brings all their pleasant sights and sounds graphically before the reader's sense. Walden Pond and its surroundings will be known of al men, fro this time forth. The book is the most readable and original volume we have seen in a long time. For sale by J.S. Bailey. 

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