Walden (/ ˈwɔːldən /; first published as Walden; or, Life in the Woods) is an 1854 book by American transcendentalist writer Henry David Thoreau. The text is a reflection upon the author's simple living in natural surroundings. Walden; or, Life in the Woods is a nonfiction book about Thoreau's experience at Walden Pond, near Concord, Massachusetts, from July 1845 to September 1847.

Understanding the Context

Walden, series of 18 essays by Henry David Thoreau, published in 1854 and considered his masterwork. An important contribution to New England Transcendentalism, the book was a record of Thoreau’s experiment in simple living on Walden Pond in Massachusetts (1845–47). After more than two years, Thoreau leaves Walden transformed by the experience. He urges each man to explore the uncharted territories within him, to obey only the laws of his own being, and to devote his life to the work he cares about, no matter how poor he is.

Key Insights

When considering online education, learn more about Walden University, an accredited online university with students from over 145 countries. Walden offers online degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Thoreau's Survey of Walden Pond in 1846 Related Texts J. Lyndon Shanley's Transcription of the First Version of Walden Walden University is a private, for-profit online university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It offers bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and specialist degrees.

Final Thoughts

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