There’s a lot that’s good in this book, at least for Thoreau fans, but there’s also a lot of flabby digression randomly dispersed throughout. The story of the trip down the rivers with his brother is a real pleasure, as are his observations of natural (and human) phenomena (some items are particularly interesting for a fellow paddler). And more than a couple of his ruminations are inspired. But more than a couple aren’t, and they go on and on. Then there’s his poetry …. So if you like Thoreau, have at it – there’s enough to make it worth your while. But if you were lukewarm on Walden, spare yourself.
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An abridged version of the original, cutting out the flights of fancy and boring bits. I really like the introduction which explains in detail the fonts used (Thorowgood for display, perhaps a play on words with Thoreau?) and the sequence of illustrations: such a lot of work went into the design of this.
Thoreau was barely out of university when he wrote this; I am amazed at the profusion of words that spill out of his head. ( )

In 1839, Henry David Thoreau spent two weeks rowing with his brother on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. However, in A week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers this two-week trip is represented as having occurred in just one week.

For lovers of Natural History writing A week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers is a must-read. Thoreau are prose-poetry, and the dreamlike tranquility of the scene on the river comes through in full. The book is simply a pleasure to read. ( )

This is a somewhat editied version of Thoreau's first notable book-length work, nominally celebrating a boat-trip he made with his beloved brother John, but of-course --Thoreau being what he was -- discoursing on practially everything that came into his mind, not merely on the trip, but afterwards. For those who don't know, the actual trip did not last seven days, but Thoreau decided to describe it thus, for reasons of literary structure. This edition was a special corporate gift/promotional item published by an outfi which Thoreau would have cursed root and branch had he lived to our times. That aside, it is a lovely piece of work ( )

I've never read such a beautiful and gentle book...

In this book, writen during his time in Walden pond, Thoreau documents a boat trip he made with his brother, from Concord, Massachusetts to Concord, New Hampshire. A delightful journey immersing themselves (and the reader) fully into nature and a time where things were different, calmer, probably better. A wonderful narrative where Thoreau intercalates descriptions of the scenery and its inhabitants with observations and thoughts about poetry, religion, philosophy, friendship, literature and history among other topics, flowing effortlessly between the former and the later like the rivers themselves. The reader often feels in the same boat as the two brothers, sailing on the brown rivers or having supper in a small, human-free, green island only to be taken the next second over a thought-provoking essay about religion or a history lesson about the indian wars. Thoreau shows an unusual grasp of english and brilliant prose which shines on every page, making it a little bit difficult to read for the non-native english speaker like me, but it's absolutely worth the effort. This is probably the most erudite book I ever read. Henry David Thoreau is king. ( )