I loved this. Super short read since words are used sparingly. Many pages and panels visually show the world in which Thoreau lived with no dialogue or quotes from his speeches. The words Le Roy chooses to highlight are perfect for emphasizing Thoreau's thoughts through his adult life. In 1845 he begins to construct his cabin by Walden pond. Walden and the time he was arrested for not paying taxes as a protest of America's slavery are perhaps the most famous moments of his life. But these are very brief parts of it.
Thoreau spoke against slavery many times and assisted with the underground railroad for a short time. We hear him speak against Capitalism. We see him express interest in Eastern philosophies. We see his enthusiasm for nature. This book also traces the contemporary events of abolitionist John Brown. We learn Thoreau's thoughts on Brown, which might surprise those who oversimplify his pacifism. Then we see the decline of his health due to tuberculosis.
Following the sources of the quotes there is an excellent essay with a Thoreau specialist, Professor Granger, who spoke with author Le Roy.
No comments:
Post a Comment