Thoreau's Quest: Mysticism in the Life and Writings of Henry David Thoreau

by Paul Hourihan, Anna Hourihan (Editor)

Overview

OPEN THE HEART of Self-Discovery through the Profound Life and Works of Henry David Thoreau

Much has been written about Henry David Thoreau as a prominent American writer and naturalist, but much less research has been done regarding his spirituality, which made the writing of his classic work, “Walden” forceful and unique.

This book encompasses the Thoreau half of the award-winning study “Mysticism in American Literature: Thoreau's Quest and Whitman's Self” by Paul Hourihan. It focuses on the mysticism in the lives and major works of Thoreau and Walt Whitman, two influential Americans and literary mystics of the 19th century. In “Thoreau’s Quest,” material has been added that includes interesting facts about Thoreau’s life and interpretations from “Walden.”

You’ll find out how Thoreau’s principal work “Walden” was inspired by his spiritual revelations and struggles and what the deeper meanings are in key passages from Thoreau's classic, "Walden."

Hourihan also delves into the subject of depression and the role it plays in the life of the spiritual seeker in light of Thoreau’s extended depression after publishing his masterpiece "Walden.”

By understanding the wisdom and strengths as well as the faults and failings of this great man of letters and seeker of truth, we can know ourselves better.

"At a time like this, Dr. Hourihan performs a valuable service by his courageous reaffirmation of what is of permanent value in the life and works of one of the most original minds in American literature."
- Dr. V. K. Chari, author of "Whitman in the Light of Vedantic Mysticism"

Product Details

BN ID:	2940015971743
Publisher:	Vedantic Shores Press
Publication date:	01/26/2013
Series:	Mysticism in Literature , #2
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

In this study Paul Hourihan combined his lifelong passion for literature and mysticism to give us an insightful look into the life of Henry David Thoreau, one of America’s own celebrated mystical writers of the 19th century.

Hourihan was born, raised, and educated in Boston where he earned a doctorate in American literature from Boston University. Henry David Thoreau was one of the subjects of Hourihan’s doctoral thesis along with Ralph Waldo Emerson.

In southern Ontario, Canada, Hourihan taught literature and for a period of 25 years concentrated on teaching and writing in the field of mystical studies. During this time he taught dozens of courses and gave many lectures on the subjects of great mystics and mysticism.

For 45 years he was committed to the spiritual path and a serious student of the world’s spiritual traditions, particularly India’s Vedanta philosophy. In the closing period of his life he began, at last, to publish his compelling works.
This study is based on courses he gave on literary mystics.