Walden


Read by Gord Mackenzie

(4.7 stars; 696 reviews)

Walden by Henry David Thoreau is one of the best-known non-fiction books written by an American. Published in 1854, it details Thoreau’s life for two years, two months, and two days around the shores of Walden Pond. Walden is neither a novel nor a true autobiography, but a social critique of the Western World, with each chapter heralding some aspect of humanity that needed to be either renounced or praised. Along with his critique of the civilized world, Thoreau examines other issues afflicting man in society, ranging from economy and reading to solitude and higher laws. He also takes time to talk about the experience at Walden Pond itself, commenting on the animals and the way people treated him for living there, using those experiences to bring out his philosophical positions. This extended commentary on nature has often been interpreted as a strong statement to the natural religion that transcendentalists like Thoreau and Emerson were preaching. (Description amended from Wikipedia). (14 hr 17 min)

Chapters

Chapter 1, Part 1 30:16 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 1, Part 2 38:35 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 1, Part 3 58:58 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 1, Part 4 46:25 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 1, Part 5 23:26 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 2, Part 1 27:18 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 2, Part 2 25:50 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 3 35:53 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 4 50:24 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 5 31:57 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 6 33:25 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 7 30:17 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 8 14:09 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 9 1:13:09 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 10 22:19 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 11 36:26 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 12 36:51 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 13 43:09 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 14 39:14 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 15 27:04 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 16 38:12 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 17 56:00 Read by Gord Mackenzie
Chapter 18 38:35 Read by Gord Mackenzie

Reviews

A Must Read Book, but should actually read first?


(5 stars)

I consider Walden to be a book you should actually read first before listening. It talks to the mystic in me, who has been getting lonely lately!

Great voice


(4.5 stars)

Gord MacKenzie's voice is a joy to listen to and brings Walden to life. The best recording of Walden I have heard so far.

A Journey, Discovering self-worth and life-purpose.


(4.5 stars)

<p> Exceptional 'life' book. Gord MacKenzie does an exceptional job 'sharing' Henry David Thoreau's Walden experience. He has a warm, low, beautiful voice, which fits perfectly to the surrounding of Walden. Listener's will easily connect with Thoreau's depth and meaning of this 150 year old classic. </p> <p> As you listen, you are taken back to Thoreau's 2 year experience, living modestly with nature. Throeau discovers a new spiritual depth to himself and mankind overall. </p> <p> Thoroeau's discoveries are basic, but profound. Many of his finding correlate to those found in the Bible, and the teachings of Christ. As we age, we ask questions regarding our accomplishments and life-successes. We seek to understand success and personal wealth. What valuables have we acquired in this life? What successful, valuable, life-contributons are we leaving for others? Have we built Heavenly Wealth? </p> <p> This is a great classic for any person seeking self-growth, life-purpose, and success. </p> Enjoy <p>

Thoreau-ly enjoyable


(4.5 stars)

I listened to this book while working my grave yard shift in solitude. I spent a few blissful days camped with Thoreau beside the Walden Lake and I couldn’t ask for more. We argued now and again about his philosophy, but that seems to be just what he likes, and I don’t think either of us were the worse for it.

Walden Woods by H D Thoreau


(5 stars)

Thank you so much for this!! http://archive.org/details/walden_librivox I am delighted, amazed and challenged by these 150 year old writings now put so beautiful into spoken format. Thank-you to all those involved in producing this.

A fitting narration for a splendid book


(5 stars)

The narrator has a relaxed, woodsy, cordial voice that fits this book well. I have listened to this recording twice in its entirety and some chapters repeatedly. I appreciate the fine work.

An excellent reading


(5 stars)

The text is beautiful, descriptive and profound. The reader is excellent and speaks with real feeling. I felt like Thoreau was talking to me. The descriptions of the natural world are sublime.

Great reading, but I still didn't like the book very much


(5 stars)

I am basing this rating solely on the quality of the reader. I found the book itself to be a bit pretentious or self-important, but McKenzie did a wonderful job of reading it. I give the book 3 stars, and I give the reader an unequivocal 5.