Walden

<p>Walden is an American book written by noted transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings. The work is part personal declaration of independence social experiment voyage of spiritual discovery satire and manual for self-reliance. First published in 1854 it details Thoreau's experiences over the course of two years two months and two days in a cabin he built near Walden Pond amidst woodland owned by his friend and mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson near Concord Massachusetts.</p><p>By immersing himself in nature Thoreau hoped to gain a more objective understanding of society through personal introspection. Simple living and self-sufficiency were Thoreau's other goals and the whole project was inspired by transcendentalist philosophy a central theme of the American Romantic Period.</p>