Henry David Thoreau poster

Henry David Thoreau poster

Henry David Thoreau

2026 1 Season 5Series

Documentary

Henry David Thoreau helped define modern environmentalism and nonviolent resistance, yet his life has been obscured by myth. The author of Walden and Civil Disobedience, he was brilliant but flawed, idealistic but opinionated. A writer, scientist and activist, his words resonate urgently with today’s challenges as humanity looks for ways to live in harmony with nature—and each other.

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Ken Burns

Creator, Director, Writer

Top Cast

George Clooney

George Clooney

Self – Narrator (voice) · 3 eps

Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum

Henry David Thoreau (voice) · 3 eps

Ted Danson

Ted Danson

Ralph Waldo Emerson (voice) · 3 eps

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep

Various Characters (voice) · 3 eps