What is the title of the book written by Henry David Thoreau that recounts a boat trip on two New England rivers?

The book is titled A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, written by Henry David Thoreau. It details his experiences during a boat journey.

In what year was Henry David Thoreau's book A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers first published?

A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers was first published in 1849. This marked Thoreau's debut as a published author.

What is the primary subject matter of Henry David Thoreau's book A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers?

The book's primary subject is a boat trip that Henry David Thoreau took with his brother John on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. It chronicles their journey and Thoreau's reflections during it.

What was the general route of the boat trip described in A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers?

The journey described in the book was a boat trip from Concord, Massachusetts, to Concord, New Hampshire, and then back. The route involved traveling down the Concord River to the Middlesex Canal, then onto the Merrimack River.

Who accompanied Henry David Thoreau on the boat trip detailed in A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, and what happened to him?

Henry David Thoreau's brother, John, accompanied him on the boat trip. Tragically, John died of tetanus in 1842, and Thoreau wrote the book, in part, as a tribute to his memory.

Is A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers a straightforward travel journal?

No, the book is deceptively structured. While it appears to be a day-by-day travel journal, much of the text consists of digressions by Thoreau on various subjects rather than a literal account of the journey.

How long did the actual boat trip described in A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers take, contrary to the book's implied structure?

The actual boat trip undertaken by Thoreau and his brother took two weeks to complete. The book's chapter structure, organized by day, can be misleading about the trip's duration.

Besides describing the boat journey, what other types of content does Thoreau include in A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers?

In addition to the literal descriptions of the journey, Thoreau includes numerous digressions on diverse topics such as religion, poetry, and history. He connects these subjects to his personal experiences and observations.

How did Thoreau incorporate the changes of the Industrial Revolution into A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers?

Thoreau related the diverse topics discussed in his book to his own life experiences, often in the context of the rapid changes occurring in his native New England due to the Industrial Revolution. He frequently expressed lament for these societal shifts.

Where did Henry David Thoreau complete the first draft of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers?

Thoreau completed the first draft of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers during his stay at Walden Pond. He moved to Walden Pond on July 4, 1845, and lived there for over two years.

What difficulties did Thoreau face in getting A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers published?

Thoreau encountered significant difficulty finding a publisher for his book. Ultimately, he had to resort to printing it at his own expense due to the lack of interest from publishers.

What were the financial and sales outcomes of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers upon its initial publication?

Published in 1849, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers was Thoreau's first book. It cost him several hundred dollars to print, but only 219 copies were sold, making it a significant financial loss.

What happened to the majority of the copies of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers that did not sell?

By 1853, the printer refused to continue storing the unsold copies and returned 706 of them to Thoreau. Thoreau humorously noted at the time that he possessed a library of nearly nine hundred volumes, with over seven hundred being his own writings.

What was the transaction involving Thoreau's boat, the Musketaquid, and Nathaniel Hawthorne?

In 1842, Henry David Thoreau sold the boat he used for his journey, named Musketaquid, to Nathaniel Hawthorne. The sale price was $7, and it included a rowing lesson from Thoreau.

How did Nathaniel Hawthorne find operating the boat he purchased from Thoreau?

Nathaniel Hawthorne, who renamed the boat Pond Lily, found it difficult to operate. He was disappointed because it did not seem as easy to manage as it did for Thoreau, for whom it appeared as docile as a trained steed.

How does A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers fit within the broader context of New England transcendentalist literature?

The book is considered one of several nonfiction works inspired by nature and travel written by New England transcendentalists. It shares thematic similarities with works like Ralph Waldo Emerson's Nature and Margaret Fuller's Summer on the Lakes.

When was a revised version of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers published, and based on what?

A slightly revised edition of the book, incorporating corrections made by Thoreau himself, was published in 1868. This publication occurred six years after Thoreau's death.

What was the critical assessment of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers by The Athenaeum?

The Athenaeum, a contemporary publication, offered a critical review, describing the book as one of the worst offshoots of Carlyle and Emerson. This suggests they found it derivative and perhaps overly influenced by those two writers.

How did The Westminster Review evaluate Thoreau's book, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers?

The Westminster Review also raised concerns about the book's style. However, despite stylistic criticisms, the review concluded that the book is an agreeable book, indicating a generally positive, albeit qualified, reception.

What was the reaction of James Anthony Froude upon receiving a copy of Thoreau's book?

James Anthony Froude, upon receiving a copy of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, responded positively. He wrote to Thoreau, stating, In your book . . . I see hope for the coming world, suggesting he found profound value and optimism in its content.

How is Herman Melville's 1853 short story "Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!" related to Thoreau's A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers?

Herman Melville's short story "Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!", published in 1853, is interpreted by critics as a satire of Thoreau's book. This suggests that Melville may have been commenting on or parodying aspects of Thoreau's work.

Has A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers inspired musical compositions?

Yes, the book inspired the French composer Robert Piéchaud, who wrote a wind quintet titled The River in 2016. This musical piece freely follows Thoreau's work and includes a voice part setting the book's final poem, All Things Are Current Found.

Who recreated Thoreau's journey and wrote about it, and when did this occur?

John McPhee recreated Thoreau's canoe journey starting on August 31, 2003. He documented his experience in an article titled "Paddling After Henry David Thoreau."

What does the image caption describe?

The image caption refers to the title page of the 1849 edition of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. This page would typically display the book's title, author, and publisher information.

What educational background did Henry David Thoreau have, as suggested by the text?

The text implies Thoreau had a strong educational background, referring to him as a Harvard-educated author. This suggests a formal classical education that informed his writing and intellectual digressions.

What aspect of the changes occurring in New England did Thoreau lament in his book?

Thoreau lamented the rapid societal and industrial changes taking place in his native New England during the Industrial Revolution. These changes were often contrasted with the more natural or traditional ways of life he valued.

Beyond its function as a travelogue, what other purpose did Thoreau have in writing A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers?

The book served as a tribute to Thoreau's brother, John, who accompanied him on the journey and later died. It also provided a platform for Thoreau to explore philosophical, religious, and historical themes, connecting them to his personal experiences and observations of the changing world.

Was A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers Henry David Thoreau's first published book?

Yes, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers holds the distinction of being Henry David Thoreau's first published book. Its publication in 1849 marked his initial foray into book authorship.

What was the name of the boat Thoreau used for his journey, and what happened to it?

The boat Thoreau used for his journey was named the Musketaquid. He later sold it to Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1842.

Besides Thoreau, which other prominent New England transcendentalists wrote nature and travel-inspired nonfiction works around the same period?

Other New England transcendentalists who wrote similar works include Ralph Waldo Emerson, with his book Nature, and Margaret Fuller, with her book Summer on the Lakes. These works shared a focus on nature, self-reflection, and the American landscape.

Despite stylistic criticisms, what was the overall sentiment of The Westminster Review's assessment of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers?

Although The Westminster Review found fault with the book's style, it ultimately deemed it an agreeable book. This suggests that while not perfect in its presentation, the content and overall reading experience were considered pleasant.

What was the title of the article written by John McPhee about his recreation of Thoreau's journey?

John McPhee's article detailing his experience recreating Thoreau's journey was titled "Paddling After Henry David Thoreau." It was published in The New Yorker in December 2003.

What musical piece was inspired by A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers and by whom?

The French composer Robert Piéchaud wrote a wind quintet titled The River in 2016, inspired by Thoreau's book. This composition includes an additional voice part that sets the final poem from the book.

What institution is mentioned as the source of Thoreau's education, influencing his writing?

The text mentions that Thoreau was Harvard-educated, indicating that he attended Harvard University. This formal education likely contributed to the intellectual depth and breadth of his writings, including the digressions in A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers.

What underlying tension does Thoreau explore in A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers concerning societal changes?

Thoreau explores the tension between the natural world and the encroaching Industrial Revolution in New England. He often expresses a sense of lament for the changes brought about by industrialization, contrasting them with the enduring value he found in nature and simpler ways of life.

In what way is the structure or presentation of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers considered deceptive?

The book is considered deceptive because, while presented as a day-by-day account of a boat trip, it contains extensive digressions and philosophical reflections. The actual duration of the trip (two weeks) also contrasts with the implied daily structure, suggesting a more complex literary work than a simple travelogue.

How does the book serve as a memorial or tribute?

A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers serves, in part, as a tribute to Thoreau's brother, John, who accompanied him on the journey and later died. The writing of the book was a way for Thoreau to honor his brother's memory.

What distinction does A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers hold in Henry David Thoreau's literary career?

A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers holds the distinction of being Henry David Thoreau's first published book. Its publication in 1849 marked his initial foray into book authorship.

What was the specific cause of death for Thoreau's brother, John, mentioned in relation to the book?

John Thoreau, Henry David Thoreau's brother, died from tetanus. This tragic event occurred in 1842, and the book serves partly as a memorial to him.

How did Thoreau humorously describe his personal library in relation to the unsold copies of his book?

Thoreau humorously noted that by 1853, he possessed a library of nearly nine hundred volumes, with over seven hundred of those volumes being works he had written himself. This was largely due to the unsold copies of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers being returned to him.

What movement is Henry David Thoreau associated with, as indicated by the text?

Henry David Thoreau is associated with the Transcendentalism movement. This philosophical and literary movement emphasized intuition, individualism, and a deep connection with nature, influencing many writers of the mid-19th century in New England.

Approximately how much did it cost Henry David Thoreau to have his first book, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, printed?

Printing A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers at his own expense cost Thoreau several hundred dollars. This was a significant investment, especially considering the low sales figures.

How many copies of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers were sold upon its initial publication?

Initially, only 219 copies of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers were sold after its publication in 1849. This low number contributed to the book's financial failure for Thoreau.

Where can one find the original text of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers online?

The original text of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers is available on English Wikisource. This provides a digital archive for readers interested in accessing the primary source material.

Is A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers available through Project Gutenberg?

Yes, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers is available through Project Gutenberg. This platform offers free access to digital versions of classic literature, including Thoreau's work.

Where else can a digital version of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers be found, specifically in a curated format?

A curated digital version of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers is available at Standard Ebooks. This service typically provides enhanced formatting and accessibility for classic texts.

What literary context is provided for A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers regarding other authors?

A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers is noted as being one of several nonfiction works inspired by nature and travel written by New England transcendentalists. Other examples mentioned include Ralph Waldo Emerson's Nature and Margaret Fuller's Summer on the Lakes.

What is the significance of the Harvard education mentioned in relation to Thoreau?

The mention of Thoreau being Harvard-educated suggests a formal and rigorous academic background. This likely contributed to the intellectual depth, classical allusions, and diverse range of topics explored in his writings, including A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers.

A Week On The Concord And Merrimack Rivers Wiki: Concord Journeys: Thoreau's Riverine Reflections

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Overview

The River Narrative

A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, published in 1849, is the debut book by American author Henry David Thoreau. It chronicles a boat journey undertaken with his brother, John, along the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. While ostensibly a travelogue detailing their passage from Concord, Massachusetts, to Concord, New Hampshire, and back, the work transcends simple narrative.

Beyond the Journey

The book is characterized by extensive digressions, characteristic of Thoreau's intellectual style. These explorations delve into diverse subjects including religion, poetry, history, and philosophy. Thoreau masterfully weaves these reflections into the narrative, often contextualizing them against the backdrop of profound societal shifts occurring in his native New England during the Industrial Revolution, a transformation he viewed with critical observation.

A Tribute to John Thoreau

The journey itself took place in 1839. Tragically, Thoreau's brother John succumbed to tetanus in 1842. Henry David Thoreau wrote A Week, in part, as a heartfelt tribute to his memory, imbuing the narrative with personal significance and emotional depth.

Composition & Publication

Walden Pond Genesis

The initial draft of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers was completed during Thoreau's seminal stay at Walden Pond, where he resided from July 4, 1845, for over two years. This period of intense self-reflection and immersion in nature provided fertile ground for the literary and philosophical ideas that permeate the book.

A Costly Endeavor

Despite completing the manuscript, Thoreau faced considerable difficulty finding a publisher. Ultimately, he financed the printing of the book himself. Published in 1849, A Week was Thoreau's first published book. Its initial commercial performance was modest, with only 219 copies sold. By 1853, the printer returned the majority of the unsold stock—706 copies—to Thoreau, leading him to famously remark that he possessed a library of nearly nine hundred volumes, over seven hundred of which he had authored himself.

The Musketaquid's Legacy

The boat used for the journey, named Musketaquid, was later sold by Thoreau to Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1842 for seven dollars and a rowing lesson. Hawthorne, residing at The Old Manse, renamed the boat Pond Lily but found its operation less intuitive than Thoreau, for whom it seemed remarkably responsive.

Transcendentalist Context

A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers emerged within the vibrant intellectual milieu of New England Transcendentalism. It stands alongside other significant nature and travel writings of the era, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson's Nature (1836) and Margaret Fuller's Summer on the Lakes (1844), reflecting a shared philosophical interest in nature, self-reliance, and spiritual inquiry.

Reception & Influence

Contemporary Views

Upon its release, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers garnered limited attention, receiving only two notable contemporary reviews. The Athenæum critiqued its style, deeming it an "offshoot" of Carlyle and Emerson. While The Westminster Review also found fault with the style, it acknowledged the book as "agreeable." James Anthony Froude, upon receiving a copy, expressed a hopeful sentiment about the future of literature.

Literary Echoes

The work's distinctive style and philosophical depth resonated, albeit sometimes critically, within literary circles. Herman Melville's 1853 short story, "Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!", is widely interpreted as a satirical commentary on Thoreau's book and its transcendentalist leanings.

Artistic Interpretations

The enduring influence of Thoreau's work is evident in its adaptation across artistic mediums. The French composer Robert Piéchaud created The River (2016), a wind quintet inspired by Thoreau's journey, incorporating text from the book's final poem. More recently, John McPhee recreated Thoreau's canoe expedition in 2003, documenting his experience in the essay "Paddling After Henry David Thoreau."

Study Aids

Key Concepts

This section provides flashcards to reinforce understanding of the core concepts discussed in relation to A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers.

Flashcard 1:
Term: Transcendentalism
Definition: A philosophical movement emphasizing intuition, individualism, and the inherent goodness of both nature and humanity. Key figures include Emerson and Thoreau.

Flashcard 2:
Term: Digression
Definition: A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing. Thoreau frequently uses digressions in A Week to explore philosophical and historical themes.

Flashcard 3:
Term: Industrial Revolution
Definition: The period of major industrialization and technological innovation in the 18th and 19th centuries. Thoreau reflects critically on its impact on nature and society.

Flashcard 4:
Term: Literary Tribute
Definition: A work created to honor or commemorate another person or work. A Week serves partly as a tribute to Thoreau's deceased brother, John.

Flashcard 5:
Term: Travelogue
Definition: A book or account describing the author's experiences while traveling. While A Week contains travelogue elements, it is significantly more complex.

References

Source Citations

The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:

Further Exploration

Primary Texts & Resources

Explore the original work and related resources:

A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers on Wikisource (opens in new tab)
A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers on Project Gutenberg (opens in new tab)
A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers from Standard Ebooks (opens in new tab)

Author & Related Works

Discover more about Henry David Thoreau and his contemporaries:

VIAF Authority Record (opens in new tab)
GND Authority Record (opens in new tab)
Israel National Library Authority Record (opens in new tab)

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References

Gura, Philip F. American Transcendentalism: A History. New York: Hill and Wang, 2007: 207. ISBN 0-8090-3477-8

L. J. Budd and E. H. Cady, On Melville: The Best from American Literature (Duke University Press, 1988), p. 116.

A full list of references for this article are available at the A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not literary or historical analysis. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for scholarly research or professional interpretation. While efforts have been made to adhere strictly to the provided source material, nuances and deeper meanings may require consultation with academic experts or primary source analysis.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Concord Journeys

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🌊 The River Narrative

🤔 Beyond the Journey

❤️ A Tribute to John Thoreau

Composition & Publication ✍️

🏠 Walden Pond Genesis

💸 A Costly Endeavor

⛵ The Musketaquid's Legacy

🤝 Transcendentalist Context

Reception & Influence 📣

🧐 Contemporary Views

🎭 Literary Echoes

🎶 Artistic Interpretations

Study Aids 💡

📚 Key Concepts

References 🔗

📜 Source Citations

Further Exploration 🌐

📖 Primary Texts & Resources

🏛️ Author & Related Works

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

The River Narrative

Beyond the Journey

A Tribute to John Thoreau

Composition & Publication

Walden Pond Genesis

A Costly Endeavor

The Musketaquid's Legacy

Transcendentalist Context

Reception & Influence

Contemporary Views

Literary Echoes

Artistic Interpretations

Study Aids

Key Concepts

References

Source Citations

Further Exploration

Primary Texts & Resources

Author & Related Works

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice