Thoreau, Henry David

8vo (180 x 113 mm), first edition, wood-engraved vignette of Thoreau's hut after a sketch by his sister Sophia, lithographed plan of Walden Pond, 8pp. of publisher's advertisements at the end dated April, 1854, original brown cloth ruled and decorated in blind, later red cloth chemise and quarter red morocco slipcase, spine lettered in gilt, neat repairs and restoration to head and base of spine, hinges slightly loose, a few gatherings nearly loose

Helmut N. Friedlaender, the sale of his library at Christie's New York, 23 April 2001, lot 184

Borst A2.1.a; BAL 20106; Grolier American 63

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

First edition of the author's celebrated account of Transcendentalist self-sufficiency, one of the all-time great works of pastoral philosophy.

 "Solid chunks of thought, in the midst of a solid chunk of nature, proving that the minimum of cash expenditure and of creature comfort may result in the maximum of acute observation and cerebration -- for almost a hundred years an inspiration to nature-lovers, to philosophers, to those of a Calvin Coolidge turn, and to persons who love to read the English language written with clarity" (Grolier American).