Thoreau and the Art of Life

Edited by Roderick MacIver

From the back of the book:

“Thoreau and the Art of Life presents a collection of eloquent passages from the writings of influential nineteenth-century author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. Revealing Thoreau’s unedited feelings and illuminating insights, this book reflects his core beliefs and ideas about nature, relationships, creativity, spirituality, aging, simplicity, and wisdom.”

Roderick MacIver combines his own artwork with the unique words of Henry David Thoreau to create a beautiful little book anyone would love to look at.

Simple, yet elegant, the reader is taken back to the days when both art and literature were coveted by many people.

At the beginning of the book is a time table of Thoreau’s life. It includes some of the key events that shaped his life and introduces the reader to others he met along the way.

The book also includes some statements by those who were friends with Thoreau.

I also very much enjoyed the watercolors MacIver chose to illustrate the book. They are lovely scenes from nature and truly help bring the reader closer to the thoughts expressed.

The words of Thoreau are taken from his journals. The author chose passages that weren’t necessarily well-known by the everyday reader. For example, one line I enjoyed in particular was “The perception of beauty is a moral test,” which was written by Thoreau in his journal in September 1950. It somewhat sums up this wonderful book.