John R. Stilgoe Livres

Henry David Thoreau’s Journal was his life’s work: the daily practice of writing that accompanied his daily walks, the workshop where he developed his books and essays, and a project in its own right—one of the most intensive explorations ever made of the everyday environment, the revolving seasons, and the changing self. It is a treasure trove of some of the finest prose in English and, for those acquainted with it, its prismatic pages exercise a hypnotic fascination. Yet at roughly seven thousand pages, or two million words, it remains Thoreau’s least-known work. This reader’s edition, the largest one-volume edition of Thoreau’s Journal ever published, is the first to capture the scope, rhythms, and variety of the work as a whole. Ranging freely over the world at large, the Journal is no less devoted to the life within. As Thoreau says, “It is in vain to write on the seasons unless you have the seasons in you.”

Stilgoe's book champions landscape studies as a discipline founded on curiosity and deep, associative thought, open to byways, discovery, and the occasional absurdity, rewarding for amateurs and seasoned practitioners alike. - Publishers Weekly

Trains have a nostalgic connotation for most Americans. This title argues that we should be looking to rail lines as the path to our future, not our past. It offers a look at the future of our railroads and of transportation and land development.

The book explores the complexities of observing America's constructed landscapes, emphasizing the tension between modern distractions and the value of direct visual engagement. Through a series of essays, Stilgoe delves into diverse topics, such as cultural symbolism, geography, and the interplay between politics and art. His reflections highlight the significance of seemingly mundane details, revealing deeper historical connections and societal norms. Meticulously researched and elegantly written, these essays cater to both specialists and general readers, illustrating how our landscapes narrate a rich history of human experience.