New Perspectives on Walden: The Cambridge Introduction to American Fiction, 12 (English Edition)

Author: Sayre (R.F.)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Walden Revisited offers critical commentary on Thoreau's classic novel from four important contemporary perspectives. Lawrence Buell discusses the publishing decisions of Houghton Mifflin Company (Thoreau's publisher) at the turn of the century, as well as how early Thoreauvians, literary critics, and reviewers helped propel Walden into classic status. Writer and ecologist Anne LaBastille writes about her commentary on Walden. Daniel P.Keeling examines how the pastoralism in Walden not only encompasses the forces of industrialism and commerce in American society but also the spiritual strength within Thoreau's inner life. Finally, Michael Fisher reevaluates Walden from the perspective of modern literary theory, discovering that Thoreau's fear of revealing and analyzing his political views softened his relationship with skeptical critics. In the newly included essays, Robert F. Sayre provides readers with an authoritative biography of Thoreau, an account of the writing process of Walden, and a summary of other critics' viewpoints. This book will spark great interest among teachers and students, whether it is their first or their hundredth reading of Thoreau.