The man who found Thoreau

About this book

"In The Man Who Found Thoreau Donald W. Linebaugh presents an examination of the work of the pioneering but controversial archaeologist Roland Wells Robbins (1908-1987) and the development of historical archaeology in America. In 1945 the self-taught Robbins discovered the remains of Thoreau's cabin at Walden Pond. He excavated the site, documented his findings, and in 1947 published a short book, Discovery at Walden, about the experience. This project launched Robbins's career in archaeology, restoration, and reconstruction; he went on to excavate a number of New England iron works and at other sites, including the Philipsburg Manor Upper Mills in New York, Strawbery Banke in New Hampshire, and Shadwell, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia birthplace. With the help of previously unpublished information, the author offers a balanced assessment of Robbins and his place in New England regional history and the history of American historical archaeology. The Man Who Found Thoreau is a must-read for scholars, students, and historical archaeology buffs."--Jacket.