Ralph Waldo Emerson is a biography by Oliver Wendell Holmes, part of the American Men of Letters series. It follows Emerson's life from his New England boyhood and college years through his ministry, travels, and later lectures and writings. Listeners interested in American intellectual history will find a thoughtful portrait of Emerson and his circle.
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Text source: gutenberg.org · The work is in the public domain.
Opening of the book
American Men of Letters
EDITED BY
CHARLES DUDLEY WARNER.
"Thou wert the morning star among the living,
Ere thy fair light had fled:
Now, having died, thou art as Hesperus, giving
New splendor to the dead."
American Men of Letters
* * * * *
RALPH WALDO EMERSON.
BY
OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES.
1891
NOTE.
My thanks are due to the members of Mr. Emerson's family, and the other friends who kindly assisted me by lending interesting letters and furnishing valuable information.
The Index, carefully made by Mr. J.H. Wiggin, was revised and somewhat abridged by myself.
OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES.
BOSTON, November 25, 1884.
CONTENTS.
* * * * *
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I.
1803-1823. To AET. 20.
Birthplace.—Boyhood.—College Life.
CHAPTER II.
1823-1828. AET. 20-25.
Extract from a Letter to a Classmate.—School-Teaching.—Study of
Divinity.—"Approbated" to Preach.—Visit to the South.—Preaching in
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