Thoreau’s Quest and Whitman’s Self
OPEN THE HEART of Self-Discovery Through the Lives and Profound Works of Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman
“At a time like this, Dr. Hourihan performs a valuable service by his courageous reaffirmation of what is of permanent value in the lives and works of two of the most original minds in American literature.”
– V. K. Chari, author of Whitman in the Light of Vedantic Mysticism
Most are familiar with Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman as great American writers of the 19th century, but did you know that they were also mystics? Mysticism in American Literature: Thoreau’s Quest and Whitman’s Self by Paul Hourihan focuses on the mysticism in the lives and major writings of Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman. It explains the significance of notable passages that have eluded many of us from Thoreau’s classic, Walden, and Walt Whitman’s ground-breaking poem, “Song of Myself” from his Leaves of Grass.
This study shows how their significant works were inspired by their spiritual revelations and struggles. It discusses reasons for Thoreau’s long depression after the publication of Walden. It also compares the very different approaches that each of these Transcendentalists took to reach their spiritual achievements.
Mystical Interpretation Necessary
Discover the deeper message and insights into life that these two literary mystics have for us from a mystical interpretation of their lives and writings. By sharing with these remarkable men of letters their wisdom and strengths, as well as their faults and failings, our own evolution advances. Therefore, this book serves to open the heart of self-discovery for readers seeking their own enlightenment.
Winner of Bronze Award, Best Non-Fiction and Best Spiritual Book Awards for 2004-2005 from Northern California Publishers & Author
Recommended for religious collections by Library Journal (May 1/04 review).

by Paul Hourihan,
edited by Anna Hourihan
144 pages, 8.5“x 5.5” (Quality paperback)
ISBN: 978-1-931816-03-8
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