Beyond Walden: The Hidden History of America's Kettle Lakes and Ponds - Softcover

Robert M. Thorson is a professor of geology at the University of Connecticut and an environmental columnist for the Hartford Courant. The author of Stone by Stone and Exploring Stone Walls, he lives in Storrs, Connecticut.

“Kettle lakes are natural wells refreshed from deep groundwater filtered through grit-free sand, all formed more than 10,000 years ago when glaciers retreated and isolated slabs of ice melted...The author’s enthusiasm shines through as he uses personal experience, literary references and the history of American popular culture―“going up to the lake” for the summer generally meant a kettle lake―to illustrate this lively chronicle of a hitherto obscure environmental feature. A rich, exhaustive account of one of America’s threatened ecological jewels.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“This book will be delightful reading for anyone who heads ‘to the lake' every summer. (It belongs on the cottage bookshelf next to the frayed copy of the Peterson bird book and the local trail guide.) Thorson writes with intelligence and pleasure, and you will come away understanding your place in a new way.” ―Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy

“Beyond Walden should be required reading for all lakefront property owners, other lake users, and those who manage our land and water resources. Robert Thorson takes the reader on a ten-thousand-year stroll through the geological, chemical, and biological history of kettle lakes, weaving in enough human cultural ties to make for great reading, preferably by your favorite lake.” ―Kenneth J. Wagner, Ph.D., past president of the North American Lake Management Society