Another writer, Edward Thomas (1878-1917), was staying with his family at a cottage half a mile away. Thomas was a literary critic, essayist, and nature writer who had favorably reviewed a volume of Frost's poetry and become one of his best friends. During their frequent walks in lanes, forests, and heather fields, they would discuss poetry and botany, noting the plants and flowers in the region. At the urging of Frost, Thomas began writing poetry and later achieved his greatest fame in this genre. Upon returning from their walks, Thomas often expressed a wish that they had taken an alternate trail or road to view its plants. In response, Frost began writing "The Road Not Taken," but he did not finish it until he and his family returned to the United States