Thoreau: Political Writings

A complete edition of political essays by the eloquent and influential American writer Henry David Thoreau, first published in 1996.

Henry David Thoreau (Author), Nancy L. Rosenblum (Edited by)

9780521476751, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 23 May 1996

218 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm, 0.28 kg

Thoreau's political writing is intensely personal and direct. Both his life and work focus uncompromisingly on the question 'how should I live?', and for Thoreau, no element of day-to-day existence is left untouched by moral and political issues. This 1996 edition of Thoreau's political essays includes 'Civil Disobedience', selections from Walden, 'Life Without Principle', and the anti-slavery addresses, such as 'Slavery in Massachusetts'. In her introduction, Nancy L. Rosenblum places the essays in the context of Thoreau's life of self-examination, and the debates about the abolition of slavery, and she analyses the themes of citizenship and resistance that have made Thoreau an enduring influence in political philosophy and practice.

Introduction
Chronology and bibliography
1. 'Resistance to civil government'
2. 'Economy', 'Higher laws', 'Conclusion' (from Walden)
3. 'Life without principle'
4. 'Slavery in Massachusetts'
5. 'A plea for Captain John Brown'
6. 'Martyrdom of John Brown'
7. 'The last days of John Brown'.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]