Like Henry David Thoreau? Thank his sister Sophia

Today marks 204 years since Henry David Thoreau was born.

But instead of celebrating him, we’ll celebrate a different Thoreau: his sister Sophia.

Without her, says literature scholar Kathy Fedorko, we’d hardly have any of her brother’s work.

While Henry was alive, Sophia served as his amanuensis, editor, business manager, and caretaker; upon his death, she ensured that his remaining manuscripts were edited and published.

JSTOR Daily shares more about Sophia’s essential contributions to Henry’s writing career.