Wild Apples
The History of the Apple Tree
(Author) Henry David ThoreauThis Henry David Thoreau classic is called Wild Apples. It is a venerable Henry David Thoreau work, subtitled "The History of the Apple Tree," and it stands as a classic among natural history essays. This Thoreau essay contains the following excerpt: "It is remarkable how closely the history of the Apple-tree is connected with that of man. The geologist tells us that the order of the Rosaceae, which includes the Apple, also the true Grasses, and the Labiatae, or Mints, were introduced only a short time previous to the appearance of man on the globe. It appears that apples made a part of the food of that unknown primitive people whose traces have lately been found at the bottom of the Swiss lakes, supposed to be older than the foundation of Rome, so old that they had no metallic implements. An entire black and shrivelled Crab-Apple has been recovered from their stores."
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher known for his transcendentalist beliefs and writings on nature, simplicity, and civil disobedience. His most notable works include "Walden," a reflection on living a simple life in harmony with nature, and "Civil Disobedience," a call for individual resistance to unjust laws.
Thoreau's writing style is characterized by its introspective and philosophical nature, as well as its vivid descriptions of the natural world. His works have had a lasting impact on environmental literature and the development of the conservation movement. "Walden" remains his most famous work, exploring themes of self-reliance, individualism, and the importance of living deliberately. Thoreau's contributions to literature continue to inspire readers to seek a deeper connection with nature and live more intentionally.