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The Best of Our Knowledge

The Best Of Our Knowledge

Henry David Thoreau’s life and legacy

By Lucas Willard

Published March 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT

Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau is a lot of things: a father of nature writing in 19th century America; a radical thinker who challenged societal norms; the subject of homework assignments for bored 21st century high school students.

The transcendentalist’s legacy is the subject of a new three-part documentary. We’ll speak with the filmmakers behind the project.

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The Best Of Our Knowledge henry david thoreau documentary Nature nature-writing

Lucas Willard

Lucas Willard is a news reporter and host at WAMC Northeast Public Radio, which he joined in 2011. He produces and hosts The Best of Our Knowledge and WAMC Listening Party.

See stories by Lucas Willard

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