| Description |
ix, 245 pages ; 24 cm |
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text txt rdacontent |
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unmediated n rdamedia |
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volume nc rdacarrier |
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Gender group: gdr Men lcdgt |
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Occupational/field of activity group: occ University and college faculty members lcdgt |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Contents |
Introduction: The challenge of Walden -- Simplicity -- Different drummers -- Learning from nature |
| Summary |
"Throughout this original and passionate book, Bob Pepperman Taylor presents a wide-ranging inquiry into the nature and implications of Henry David Thoreau's thought in Walden and Civil Disobedience. As Taylor says in his introduction, "Walden is a central American text for addressing two of the central crises of our time: the increasingly alarming threats we now face to democratic norms, practices, and political institutions, and the perhaps even more alarming environmental dangers confronting us." Taylor pursues this inquiry in three chapters, each focusing on a single theme: chapter 1 examines simplicity and the ethics of "voluntary poverty," chapter 2 looks at civil disobedience and the role of "conscience" in democratic politics, and chapter 3 concentrates on what "nature" means to us today and whether we can truly "learn from nature"-and if so, what does it teach? Taylor considers Thoreau's philosophy, and the philosophical problems he raises, from the perspective of a wide range of thinkers and commentators drawn from history, philosophy, the social sciences, and popular media, breathing new life into Walden and asking how it is alive for us today. In Lessons from Walden, Taylor lets all sides have their say, even as he persistently steers the discussion back to a nuanced reading of Thoreau's actual position. With its tone of friendly urgency, this interdisciplinary tour de force will interest students and scholars of American literature, environmental ethics, and political theory. It deserves to be read by a more general readership, including environmental activists, concerned citizens, and anyone troubled with the future of democracy"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Subject |
Thoreau, Henry David, 1817-1862. Walden.
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Thoreau, Henry David, 1817-1862 -- Criticism and interpretation.
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American literature -- 19th century -- History and criticism.
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Simplicity in literature.
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Democracy in literature.
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Philosophy of nature in literature.
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Philosophy of nature -- United States.
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Democracy -- United States.
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United States -- Moral conditions.
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Thoreau, Henry David, 1817-1862. (OCoLC)fst00029125
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Walden (Thoreau, Henry David) (OCoLC)fst01356368
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American literature. (OCoLC)fst00807113
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Democracy. (OCoLC)fst00890077
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Democracy in literature. (OCoLC)fst00890120
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Moral conditions. (OCoLC)fst01026043
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Philosophy of nature. (OCoLC)fst01060845
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Philosophy of nature in literature. (OCoLC)fst01060848
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Simplicity in literature. (OCoLC)fst01119145
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United States. (OCoLC)fst01204155
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| Chronological Term |
1800-1899
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| Genre/Form |
Criticism, interpretation, etc. (OCoLC)fst01411635
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| ISBN |
9780268107338 hardcover |
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0268107335 hardcover |
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9780268107369 electronic book |
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9780268107352 electronic book |
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