Henry David Thoreau, what manner of man?

University of Massachusetts Press

1981

211 p.

New England writers series

Includes index. Bibliography: p. [201]-206

9780870231360

End and beginning -- Biography -- Himself -- Others -- Wider circles -- The seen -- The unseen -- Notes -- Selected bibliography -- Index

An insightful, multifaceted portrait of Thoreau, both as man and writer, that discusses such topics as Thoreau's physical appearance, temperament and tastes; his relationships with others; his ideas about the state, war and pacifism; his interest in sports, nature, science and technology; his attitudes toward Native Americans, blacks and other ethnic minorities; and his views on sex, morality, religion and death. The major controversies in Thoreau scholarship, such as his alleged misanthropy and the degree of his egotism, are explored