Henry David ThorearHenry David Thoreau (see name pronunciation; July 12, 1817 - May 6, 1862) was an American essayist, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, and historian. A leading transcendentalist, [3] Thoreau is bet known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings. Read More Read Less