Writing nature : Henry Thoreau's Journal /

Cameron's book is important for two reasons. First, it is important because of its commentary on the Journal, primarily the years 1850-52. It argues against the traditional view that the Journal is simply draft material, insisting rather that it is the end product of Thoreau's observations, and, hence, that Thoreau is literally writing nature. Cameron sees the Journal as a major work as she examines the relationships between Walden as a public work and the Journal. In the process, she not incidentally provides additional insight into Walden. Cameron insists, furthermore, that the Journal should be seen as a complete work and that it improves in quality in its later years, another point that challenges established views. The second reason for the importance of this work is what it says about the journal as a literary form. Cameron raises important questions about the journal's relation to both speaker and audience, her close readings and linguistic analyses well suited to examination of the journal. This is an important book in Thoreau criticism and in the developing criticism of the journal as a literary form and should be part of any library serving the research needs of undergraduate and graduate students. Its approach and vocabulary, however, make it less useful for lower-division undergraduates and for general readers.-A.L. Ford, Lebanon Valley College