Description
Beginning with a brief overview of the foundations of his interest in Thoreau, this heartfelt address made before the Thoreau Society was Harding's way of announcing his plans to bequeath to them his collection of "Thoreauviana", as he was inclined to call it. At the end of a long career, Harding decided to donate his life's work and passion to his beloved Thoreau Society, to be maintained and appreciated for generations to come. A handwritten note at the bottom of the last page is one of Harding's last actions in passing the torch of his longtime position of secretary to his successor.