Henry David Thoreau is my favourite of all philosophers. His books — particular Walden — are surely some of the most beautiful and moving ever written.
His passion — and compassion — for his fellow man was clearly genuine and heartfelt.
His understanding of the purpose of life, his gentle anarchic view of organised society and his love of animals all shine through his writings.
Henry S. Salt’s “Life of Henry David Thoreau” was published in 1890 and now Centaur Press has published, for the first time, a revised version of a biography which is a joy to read and a worthy account of the great man’s life.
So many biographies of fascinating individuals are too bogged down in detail to be either readable or revealing.
Salt’s biography is written in the spirit of Thoreau himself; witty, charming, humane and anecdotal.
Thoreau was a courageous and fearless writer who died when he was just 44 years old.
Henry S. Salt’s “Life of Henry David Thoreau” is published by Centaur Press at £19.75 and is available either through bookshops or post free from the publishers, Centaur Press, Fontwell, Arundal, West Sussex BN18 0TA.
Lincolnshire Echo, January 20, 1994, p. 10
Book Reviewed: Life of Henry David Thoreau