Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."


"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.


"Walden" is a literary masterpiece written by the American philosopher and naturalist Henry David Thoreau. It is a book that chronicles Thoreau's experience of living a simple life in a cabin on the shores of Walden Pond in Massachusetts for two years. Thoreau writes about his experiences fishing, hunting, and farming, as well as his observations of the wildlife and natural beauty around him. He also discusses his philosophical beliefs, including his ideas about individualism, self-reliance, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. One of the central themes of "Walden" is the idea that simplicity is the key to a fulfilling life. Thoreau argues that people often become distracted by the material trappings of modern society and lose sight of what truly matters. By living a simple life, Thoreau suggests that people can reconnect with nature, cultivate their creativity and imagination, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Another important theme of the book is the idea of self-reliance. Thoreau believes that people should be self-sufficient and not rely on others for their basic needs. He advocates for a life of independence and individualism, arguing that people should strive to be self-reliant and not be swayed by societal pressures. Thoreau also explores the concept of time. He believes that time is a precious resource that should be used wisely. He encourages people to spend their time engaged in meaningful pursuits, such as reading, writing, and contemplation, rather than being consumed by the trivialities of daily life.


  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Languages

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Walden is organized like a conversation. Thoreau moves from topic to topic in an easy flow, touching on politics, economics, and spirituality. William Hope's performance of the work brings out this quality wonderfully. Reading slowly, with regular pauses, as if engaged in a conversation with a close friend, Hope allows readers to hear the rhythms of Thoreau's prose. But however it rambles, WALDEN always returns to the loving descriptions of nature and insightful reflections on personal identity that Thoreau developed in his cabin by Walden Pond. This is an accessible adaptation of an American classic. G.T.B. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Thoreau is renowned as an American freethinker: a man whose formidable intellect was accompanied by a determination to live according to his convictions. As is often the case with such individuals, he was self-absorbed and superior. It is this side of Thoreau that is conveyed by Adams Morgan's reading. As a result, this audiobook reminds listeners that the author's flaws were as much part of him as his more esteemed attributes. Morgan has a habit of lowering his voice and slowing his delivery at the end of a phrase, which makes it difficult to find a "just right" volume level when listening in a car. T.J.W. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Mel Foster's resonant voice narrates this classic text with a precision that sounds nearly detached, but this style is appropriate for a work that emphasizes simplicity and personal accountability. Thoreau's reflections as he lived alone at Walden Pond are insightful; listening to WALDEN is a wonderful way to become better acquainted with his ideas, which are timeless and endlessly apropos to contemporary life. The pacing and delivery of the message are both clear and easy to absorb, making this classic beautifully suited to the audiobook format, especially with Foster's consistent voice taking control. Thoreau maintained that the "mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation"; this audiobook could help one break that silence. L.B.F. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      October 31, 1990
      Shrinking Walden into picture book size is somewhat like trying to fit Moby Dick into an aquarium. Still, Lowe's selections from Thoreau's iconoclastic work will give children a brief taste of this classic. Using only quotations from the original work, Lowe tells the story of Thoreau's year in the woods, emphasizing his descriptions of nature,stet comma and action rather than his philosophical musings. Readers see the young Thoreau putting shingles on his roof, hoeing beans, welcoming a stranger; they can revel in the natural wonders he describes--the ``whip-poor-wills,'' in summer, the drifting snow in winter, the ice breaking in the pond in spring. Sabuda's superb linoleum-cut prints lend a hard-edged brilliance to the dark woods--where sunlight is filtered through etched leaves, and moonlight shimmers on the waters of the pond made famous by a young man's experiment with life. All ages.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

Loading