Essays: a fully annotated edition

This new selection of Thoreau's essays traces his trajectory as a writer for the outlets of his day-the periodical press, newspapers, and compendiums-and as a frequent presenter on the local lecture circuit.

By arranging the writings chronologically, the volume re-creates the experience of Thoreau's readers as they followed his developing ideas over time.Jeffrey S.

Cramer, award-winning editor of six previous volumes of works by Thoreau, offers the most accurate text available for each essay and provides convenient on-page annotations.

He establishes context and guides the reader through unfamiliar allusions and references, plumbing the depths of Thoreau's writings with unprecedented insight.Among the essays in this book:* The Last Days of John Brown* Resistance to Civil Government [Civil Disobedience]* Thomas Carlyle and His Works* Natural History of Massachusetts* and many more