Autograph Manuscript leaf from working draft of WALDEN, chapter III, "OF READING" [inserted in:] The Writings in Twenty Volumes, Manuscript Edition
by Thoreau, Henry David
- Used
- Condition
- Fine. Some spines of set faintly toned
- Seller
-
New York, New York, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Thoreau laments the absolute scarcity of readers, noting that even in Concord, there is little effort made to read the great books of English literature, and "as for the recorded wisdom of mankind - the ancient classics ... - there are the feeblest efforts any where made ... Or suppose he comes from reading a Greek or Latin classic in the original - whose praises are familiar even to the so-called illiterate - He will find nobody at all to speak to but must keep silence about it." Thoreau would rework and add to these paragraphs during an extraordinary process of revision, expansion, and refinement, but his point is manifest: "any man will go considerably out of his way to pick up a silver dollar, but here are golden words which the wisest men of antiquity" which few stir themselves to learn.
Thoreau's writings are deeply rooted in his observation of the natural world and the people among whom he lived; they are even more deeply rooted in his explorations of the knowledge of earlier ages through books.
A SUPERB THOREAU MANUSCRIPT, THE ONLY SURVIVING DRAFT OF THIS PASSAGE. For the Manuscript Edition: Borst B3; BAL 20145; for Thoreau's composition process, see Shanley, The Making of Walden (1957), pp. 71, 150, etc
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Details
- Bookseller
- James Cummins Bookseller (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 323290
- Title
- Autograph Manuscript leaf from working draft of WALDEN, chapter III, "OF READING" [inserted in:] The Writings in Twenty Volumes, Manuscript Edition
- Author
- Thoreau, Henry David
- Format/Binding
- 2 pages on a single sheet, inlaid and folded. 8vo
- Book Condition
- Used - Fine. Some spines of set faintly toned
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Place of Publication
- [N.p., Concord
- Date Published
- 1853
- Keywords
- American | American | Henry David Thoreau
- Bookseller catalogs
- Literature; Sets & Fine Bindings;
- Note
- May be a multi-volume set and require additional postage.
Terms of Sale
James Cummins Bookseller
All items, as usual, are guaranteed as described and are returnable within 30 days if not as described. Within the United States, all books are shipped UPS unless otherwise requested (please provide a street address). Overseas orders should specify shipping preference. All postage is extra. New clients are requested to send remittance with your orders. Libraries may apply for deferred billing. All New York and New Jersey residents must add the appropriate sales tax. We accept American Express, Master Card, and Visa. All items are subject to prior sale; prices are subject to change.
About the Seller
James Cummins Bookseller
About James Cummins Bookseller
Glossary
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- BAL
- Bibliography of American Literature (commonly abbreviated as BAL in descriptions) is the quintessential reference work for any...
- Fine
- A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
- Gilt
- The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...