"I feel no doubt that the reputation of Thoreau, both as an essayist and as a practical philosopher, is augmenting, and that it is destined to rise still higher. The times are favourable to him. The increase of wealth and luxury has naturally begotten a reaction in many minds,—and disposed many more who see wealth and luxury out of their reach,—to inquire whether these are indeed essential to happiness. Hence a cult of 'The Simple Life' is springing up, of which the author of the book so entitled (M. Maeterlinck) and Mr. Edward Carpenter may be regarded as apostles. The wide circulation of their writings must gain readers for Thoreau, who, besides his great literary charm, has the advantage over most preachers of the natural life of having himself attained it. It is true that he was too much of a recluse to allow of his example being literally copied, but it affords an ideal for the votaries of simplicity; and his entire cast of thought is in harmony with the movement which is at present creating 'garden cities.' Every garden citizen should have a copy of Thoreau."
Such of the members of The Bibliophile
[viii]
