"Walden,"(1854) is a celebrated American non-fiction book by Henry David Thoreau. It chronicles his two years and two months living in a self-built house near Walden Pond in Massachusetts. Thoreau's work, structured to reflect a year with distinct seasons, is both a practical and philosophical exploration of simple living. It offers insights into sustainable living through farming and house-building, and philosophically, it delves into human nature and simplicity. Though a personal experiment, "Walden" provides a timeless perspective on engaging with the modern world.
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), an American essayist, poet, philosopher, and naturalist, was a key figure in the 19th-century transcendentalist movement. He attended Harvard University despite his modest upbringing. After a brief and disillusioning stint as a public school teacher, Thoreau fully committed to writing, exploring the relationship between people, nature, work, and government. His shift from education to writing reflects his deep quest for authenticity and societal critique.