The Writings of Henry David Thoreau: A week on the Concord and Merrimack rivers. 2. Walden; or, Life in the woods. 3. The Maine woods. 4. Cape Cod. 5. Early spring in Massachusetts. 6. Summer. 7. Autumn. 8. Winter. 9. Excursions. 10. Miscellanies ... with a biographical sketch by Ralph Waldo Emerson, and a general index to the writings. 11. Familiar letters, ed. with an introduction and notes by F. B. Sanborn

This collection represents the 'Manuscript Edition' or the 'Walden Edition' of Henry David Thoreau's works, published in the early 20th century, notably around 1906 by Houghton Mifflin. These volumes were meticulously compiled to provide a definitive, comprehensive record of Thoreau’s literary output, including his journals and correspondence, which had previously been scattered or unpublished. The intent was to cement Thoreau’s legacy as a central figure in American transcendentalism by organizing his observation-based writings alongside his more structured prose.

The editorial work was a significant scholarly undertaking, incorporating insights from F.B. Sanborn and biographical context from Ralph Waldo Emerson. The design is characteristic of fine library sets of the era, featuring balanced typography and durable binding intended for serious study. These editions were well-received by the literary establishment of the time, effectively shifting Thoreau’s reputation from that of a local eccentric to a foundational American author whose influence on nature writing and civil philosophy became increasingly recognized throughout the 20th century.