Traces of Thoreau

In duplicating Thoreau's classic 1849 CAPE COD walking tour from Orleans to Provincetown, Stephen Mulloney reveals views of the Cape rarely seen by tourists. Mulloney gives us nature by day--with captivating descriptions of plants, animals, and geological features--and civilization by night, as he seeks food and lodging in beach communities swarming with visitors. Illustrated.

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This modern companion to Henry David Thoreau's classic Cape Cod faithfully follows his 1849 walking tour from Orleans to Provincetown, vividly describing not only the differences between yesterday's Cape and today's but also their timeless similarities. Mulloney's entertaining travelogue gives us nature by daywith captivating descriptions of plants, animals, and geological features - and civilization by night as he seeks food and lodging in beach communities swarming with visitors. Here one meets a delightful sampling of colorful Cape characters, from members of the cocktail set to Wellfleet oystermen encountered in a working-class bar. Traces of Thoreau richly conveys the grandeur of beach and sky juxtaposed with fast food stands and miniature golf courses.