Thoreau was a practitioner of simple life. He lived in nature all year round, roamed mountains, rivers and lakes, appreciated the agility of nature, and took it as his important mission in life. He is known as the founder of nature essays. His writing is concise, powerful, simple, natural, and thoughtful, and he is unique in American prose in the 19th century. This book was written at the same time as "Walden" and mainly describes Thoreau's trip with his brother on the Concord and Merrimac rivers in a self-made boat. In addition to the description of the scenery, there are also many Thoreau's associations with history, politics, and daily life to illustrate the role of the environment on the spirit and how the human soul can be purified in the natural environment.
