Biography

Henry David Thoreau is an American icon. By the time one finishes high school, he will have read at least one of Thoreau's writings. He has written Walden and Civil Disobedience, among others. A passionate abolitionist, Thoreau did all he could to end slavery. He wrote about the environment and natural history. He worked as a tutor, gardener, and in a pencil factory. Thoreau surveyed the land and took copious notes on plants, birds, and other botany-related topics. His relatively short life of 44 years ended on May 6, 1862, when he succumbed to the effects of tuberculosis, bronchitis, and other ailments. His final statement was,"Now comes good sailing."

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer