About this Book

The writings of Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) have captivated scholars, activists, and ecologists for more than a century. Less attention has been paid, however, to the authorÕs political philosophy and its influence on American public life. Although ThoreauÕs doctrine of civil disobedience has long since become a touchstone of world history, the greater part of his political legacy has been overlooked. With a resurgence of interest in recent years, A Political Companion to Henry David Thoreau is the first volume focused exclusively on ThoreauÕs ethical and political thought. Jack Turner illuminates the unexamined aspects of ThoreauÕs political life and writings. Combining both new and classic essays, this book offers a fresh and comprehensive understanding of ThoreauÕs politics, and includes discussions of subjects ranging from his democratic individualism to the political relevance of his intellectual eccentricity. The collection consists of works by sixteen prominent political theorists and includes an extended bibliography on ThoreauÕs politics. A Political Companion to Henry David Thoreau is a landmark reference for anyone seeking a better understanding of ThoreauÕs complex political philosophy.