Collected Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson

This collection features essays that blend lightness and irony, showcasing Emerson's philosophical insights. The Collected Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson is a significant contribution to American literature.

Ralph Waldo Emerson's Collected Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson features a significant second collection of essays published in 1844. This edition presents eight essays, including 'The Poet,' 'Experience,' 'Character,' 'Manners,' 'Gifts,' 'Nature,' 'Politics,' and 'Nominalist and Realist,' along with an address titled 'New England Reformers.' In contrast to his earlier writings, this collection showcases a lighter tone and a touch of irony, making it a memorable read. As noted by contemporaries like Carlyle, it serves as a profound sermon, resonating deeply with readers.

The current edition of Collected Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson draws from extensive scholarship accumulated over the past four decades. It meticulously includes all textual changes that Emerson made or intended to make post-1844. The book also highlights variant wordings and traces the evolution of the text before and after its initial publication. A comprehensive list of parallel passages allows readers to explore Emerson's rich use of materials sourced from his journals, notebooks, and lectures, providing deeper insights into his thought process.

Additionally, endnotes offer context about significant people, events, and now-obscure terms relevant to Emerson's time. A brief historical introduction situates the essays within the broader cultural landscape of the era, marked by movements like Brook Farm and The Dial, alongside the personal tragedy of Emerson's five-year-old son's death. This edition is essential for anyone looking to delve into Emerson's enduring legacy and philosophical musings.