Political writings

the long version

"Ralph Waldo Emerson is a central figure in American political thought. Until recently, his vast influence was measured mostly by its impact on literature, philosophy, and aesthetics; in particular, Emerson is thought to be largely responsible for introducing idealism into America in the form of living one's life self-reliantly. However, in the past few decades, critics have increasingly come to realize that Emerson played a key role in abolitionism and other social movements around the time of the American Civil War. This collection highlights Emerson's practical political involvement, and examines its philosophical basis in his writings."--Jacket.