Of Woodland Pools, Spring-Holes & Ditches: Excerpts from the Journal of Henry David Thoreau

Long revered for his writings and observations on the natural world, Henry David Thoreau evoked his environment with stunning clarity—as well as his own innate sense of wonder—in his day-to-day journal. This handsome book presents selected excerpts pulled from the months of March, April, and May, all pertaining to what are now called vernal pools: temporary pools of water—free of fish—that are at their peak in the spring and provide a breeding ground for numerous creatures. Thoreau's words are accompanied by 28 petite, remarkably delicate naturalist engravings by Abigail Rorer, representing these same pools.