Thoreau and the Art of Life: Reflections on Nature and the Mystery of Existence

Thoreau is an interesting character, but he can be too much at once.This collection of his best thoughts is well chosen and concentrated. It resists a quick reading. If Thoreau is about anything he's about having time to stop and stare and think. This book also makes you stop and think.In this book you have a good collection of his thoughts, presented at their crux points, without the meandering narrative to reach them. This saves time in reading, but means you need to allow yourself to be stopped in your tracks every so often. For someone who reads as quickly as I do this can be a bit disconcerting.In this context however it is a great pleasure to be stopped. Roderick McIver's illustrations compliment the text beautifully, and making stopping a moment or two pleasurable.There's a huge amount to savour in this book- both Thoreau's thoughts and McIver's illustrations. The book is beautifully produced and printed, and this is one to get as a physical book, not in an electronic format.I can recommend this book to those readers who are willing to take time to savour it, and maybe return to it several times in the future.

This beautifully illustrated book made a great high school graduation present. I have also given it to "older" adults as a gift. Everyone has been appreciative upon receiving this book.

Many thoughtful and inspiring quotes in this small book. The art matches the tone of the text beautifully, creating a peaceful and contemplative read. Recommend -

It is imperative to know about Thoreau if one is to understand an old American way of life. To be exposed to the paintings Rod came up with, did not make me an expert, but made me part of the tableau.I recommend this book to lovers of art and literature.

This is a rich collection of images and passages from two of my favorite Nature lovers that doesn't disappoint. I recommend this to anyone who appreciates Thoreau's works and would like a great collection of many of the "stand alone" gems that are not easily found again, once a text has been read through. And the art, well, it is at times sublime, haunting and at other times more realistic than any photo ever thought of being. Thanks a million!!!

I LOVE Thoreau so this is a good buy for me! However, the used edition I got is not in great shape and the passages and illustrations are not 100% engaging. As a huge fan though, I like it.

Even if you've read every book and journal by Henry David Thoreau, you will find this work a revelation, as it pairs beautiful artwork with the best of Thoreau's most memorable quotes about love, creativity, truth, solitude, simplicity, and the art of leading a meaningful life. It's designed so you can pick a subject and become instantly inspired. Beautifully produced.

Beautiful excerpts and quotes next to paintings. Really nice bedside table or coffee table reader.

Beautiful watercolor images!