Life With Principle: Thoreau's Voice in our Time 2006
Distributed by The Video Project, PO Box 411376, San Francisco, CA 94141-1376; 800-475-2638
Produced by Melvyn Hopper
Directed by Melvyn Hopper
DVD, color, 56 min. + bonus material
Jr. High - Adult
American Studies, Biography, Environmental Studies, Ethics, Literature, Philosophy
Date Entered: 07/31/2009
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Associate University Librarian for Technical Services and Scholarly Communication, University of California, Santa BarbaraThis DVD focuses on the life and work of Henry David Thoreau, 19th century writer and philosopher. It is produced by The Thoreau Society, and features educational materials and interviews with noted world leaders on Thoreau's theories and principles related to conscious living and environmental considerations. Three noted 21st century intellectuals who have been influenced by Thoreau's writings are interviewed on this film: Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and Daniel Ellsberg. There are 6 thematic chapters with curricula, a 16 page study guide, and a scholarly commentary by Dr. Bradley P. Dean. This DVD is an excellent classroom introduction to Thoreau and his works. Since the UCSB Library is home to the Thoreau Edition and its staff, I can say with certainty that this is a wonderful film.