For a Kinder, Gentler Society
Thoreau Overlooked
The Fourth Cape Cod Excursion Journal, 1857
  • James H. Ellis
Reviews Table of Contents Introduction «Back
Thoreau Overlooked. The Fourth Cape Cod Excursion Journal, 1857
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Henry David Thoreau's classic "Cape Cod" is based largely on his 1st trip journal, but the 4th and final journal, from 1857, is generally unknown. Finally, this book presents that rich and resonant work, with substantial annotation provided by the Editor, a lifelong Cape resident, to set the scene and offer background.


About the Author

Ellis has written four books either wholly or partly about Cape Cod history. As well, he has authored numerous comparable articles in regional magazines such as Cape Cod, Cape Cod Life, On the Water, and Coastal Lifestyle: Cape Cod and the Islands. He has lectured on historical matters including a slide presentation on Thoreau’s Cape Cod. Following Thoreau’s keen interest in wildflowers, Ellis has conducted wildflower inventories and led wildflower walks for the local land trust. He has been active in local historical societies and organizations, and he is a member of the Thoreau Society.

Mr. Ellis published A Ruinous and Unhappy War with Algora in 2009. His first book, Mad Jack Percival: Legend of the Old Navy, came out in 2002.

A lifelong resident of Cape Cod, Mr. Ellis is a direct descendant of no fewer than 17 of the passengers on the Mayflower.

About the Book
Thoreau’s classic Cape Cod is commonly considered among the best if not the best book on that historic region. Based largely on the journal for his 1849 or first trip to the area and minimal resort to the second and third trip journals,...
Thoreau’s classic Cape Cod is commonly considered among the best if not the best book on that historic region. Based largely on the journal for his 1849 or first trip to the area and minimal resort to the second and third trip journals, Thoreau's book has provided material for scores of authors and lecturers. Moreover, in the early 1960s, it buttressed the controversial movement to create the now popular Cape Cod National Seashore.

But the journal for his 1857 trip, his fourth and last visit to the Cape, although as rich as his earlier journals, has been ignored. Recently, the "Writings of Henry D. Thoreau Project" at the University of California, Santa Barbara, has prepared a meticulous and updated transcript of Thoreau’s journal in general.

Using the Project’s transcription, this book is an edited version of his journal from that 11-day fourth trip. To set the scene and offer background, substantial annotation is provided by the Editor. This book will be a pleasure for a wide range of readers from those who appreciate Thoreau's observations to history buffs and all who appreciate literature, nature and environmental concerns.   


Pages 224
Year: 2024
LC Classification: F72.C3 T44
Dewey code: 910.4—dc23
BISAC: TRV025060 TRAVEL / United States / Northeast / New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
BISAC: LITERARY COLLECTIONS / Diaries & Journals
BISAC: BISAC REGIONAL THEME 4.0.1.1.3.2.0 LEVEL_6 Cape Cod
Soft Cover
ISBN: 978-1-62894-533-1
Price: USD 9.95
Hard Cover
ISBN: 978-1-62894-534-8
Price: USD 19.95
eBook
ISBN: 978-1-62894-535-5
Price: USD 9.95
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