Walden, or Life in the Woods

Henry David Thoreau (12 July 1817 - 6 May 1862July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862) What you are about to read or are considering to read is regarded as an American Classic. However, it is not counted among the Great Books of the Western World. It took five years to sell the original 2000 copies of its first edition (1854). In the 1960’s this book had a surge of popularity among non-academics and the hippies and hippie communes. Today (2007, ten years before Thoreau‘s birth bicentennial) it has a standard placement on American recommended reading lists. Should you read this book?...only if you are taking some course where the teacher requires it. Furthermore, if you want a good grade on your book report you are going to have to pretend you like it. However, if you are intelligent and honest you will not be able to bring yourself to lie in this way, so your best option, if available, is never take a course with this book on the reading list as it is a sure sign that the teacher has poor judgment.