The book Henry David Thoreau by Joseph Wood Krutch involves a
             detailed look at the life and works of Thoreau. While it does include
             biographical information, the main purpose of the book appears to be not to
             describe Thoreau's life, but to explore who Thoreau was. This focuses on
             his writing and especially, on the unique view of life presented in his
             writing. In reading the book, it becomes clear that Krutch holds Thoreau
             in high regard. In particular, he seems to respect his individuality, his
             focus on his own journey, and his overwhelming happiness. At the same
             time, there is a sense that the author is fascinated by Thoreau's outlook
             and is trying to understand this outlook for himself. After reading the
             book, I found myself considering Thoreau in the same way. I find him
             interesting in a fascinating way, where I have a sense that he knew
             something most people don't. Overall, I am left with a view of a person
             with an outlook unlike that of most people, and while I cannot fully
             understand how he looked at life, I do hope that one day I will achieve
             In the opening chapter Krutch (4) describes people as considering
             Thoreau as an "irresponsible eccentric" and notes that he was not
             considered successful in his lifetime. While this view of an irresponsible
             eccentric could be considered as presenting Thoreau in a negative way,
             Krutch turns it around and presents it as a positive. The major point
             Krutch makes by describing him this way is that Thoreau is not your average
             person. This point is continued throughout the book with Thoreau always
             presented as an individual who has a perspective that is just his own. It
             is this individuality that Krutch appears to respect more than anything.
             Krutch goes on to distinguish Thoreau from other writers he is often
             compared to. He uses Emerson as one example and describes him as having
             all kinds of theories about living life di...