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Faith in a Seed

By: Henry David Thoreau
Narrated by: Philip Hoffman
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Publisher's summary

Faith in a Seed contains the hitherto unpublished work "The Dispersion of Seeds", one of Henry D. Thoreau's last important research and writing projects, and now his first new book to appear in 125 years.

With the remarkable clarity and grace that characterize all of his writings, Thoreau describes the ecological succession of plant species through seed dispersal. "The Dispersion of Seeds," which draws on Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, refutes the then widely accepted theory that some plants spring spontaneously to life, independent of roots, cuttings, or seeds.

As Thoreau wrote: "Though I do not believe a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders." Henry D. Thoreau's Faith in a Seed, was first published in hardcover in 1993 by Island Press under the Shearwater Books imprint, which unifies scientific views of nature with humanistic ones. This important work, the first publication of Thoreau's last manuscript, is now available in paperback.

Faith in a Seed contains Thoreau's last important research and writing project, "The Dispersion of Seeds," along with other natural history writings from late in his life. Edited by Bradley P. Dean, professor of English at East Carolina University and editor of the Thoreau Society Bulletin, these writings demonstrate how a major American author at the height of his career succeeded in making science and literature mutually enriching.

©1993 Island Press (P)2013 Audible, Inc.
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Editorial reviews

A lot can happen when you walk awhile in the woods. Just ask Henry David Thoreau, who committed his life to that pursuit. Faith in a Seed, a compendium including "The Dispersion of Seeds", one of Thoreau’s last essays, is a rich treatise on ecological science, cut with the tonic of Thoreau’s rich imaginings, spiritual interrogations, and conversations with the history of thought.

The text is performed by Philip Hoffman in a voice that is clear, pleasant, and appropriately modulated between the languor of contemplation and the quickness of a new idea or spasmodic natural occurrence. Listeners should know that this audiobook is indeed heavy on botanical language, but it is also a pleasant walk in the woods with a great mind.

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