Contents:
Introduction -- Chapter one: H D Thoreau's Life and Walden -- Chapter two: nature writing in Australia: deficits, enchantment and the Indigenous -- Chapter three: Australian forebears: scholars, writers, mentors and amateurs -- Chapter four: The Woodlanders and friends: recreating Thoreau's Walden -- Chapter five: nature, conservation, patience and beauty: The Woodlanders' writing in the New Idea 1905-1907 -- Chapter six: diverging paths of the Woodlanders -- Chapter seven: a network of nature writers: Victorian, regional and local torchbearers -- Conclusion.

"Claude Kinane, E Brooke Nicholls and Charles Barrett rented a cottage on the Olinda CReek on the dge of Mt Evelyn, Lilydaleand Mooroolbark between 1903 and 1907. The three men dubbed their cottage 'Walden Hut' and called themselves 'The Woodlanders'. Their writings appeared in detail in the New Idea. Individually they also wrote newspaper pieces, journal articles and books after many subsequent expeditions throughout Australia and its near neighbours. The aim of this book is to detail the place of the Woodlanders of 'Walden Hut' in the contexts of their initial obeisance to Thoereau; of their interactions with other Australian naturalists, particularly in Victoria; of their writings; and of their efforts to inspire the coming generations." -- Introduction.