The Conduct of Life (Volume VI) (Ralph Waldo Emerson) - Hardcover

Emerson, Ralph Waldo

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0674011902 ISBN 13: 9780674011908

Publisher: Belknap Press: An Imprint of Harvard University Press, 2004

Synopsis

The essays in this book, first published in 1860, were developed from a series of lectures on "The Conduct of Life" delivered by Emerson during the early 1850s. Some of the original lectures were dropped and the rest were considerably revised, with new topics introduced. The published essays, on "Fate," "Power," "Wealth," "Culture," "Behavior," "Worship," "Considerations by the Way," "Beauty," and "Illusions," show Emerson's interest in many practical aspects of human life, and reflect his increasing involvement in politics--chiefly in the antislavery movement--during the decade before the Civil War.

This edition is based on Emerson's holograph manuscripts and published sources. The text incorporates Emerson's later corrections and revisions, and shows us what he actually wrote (or, perhaps in some cases, intended to write).

The historical introduction traces the book's development and its relation to Emerson's own personal growth and political awareness. Joseph Slater's explanatory notes help the modern reader to understand many of Emerson's references and allusions that may not be readily apparent.

Historical Introduction by Barbara L. Packer
Notes by Joseph Slater
Text Established and Textual Introduction and Apparatus by Douglas Emory Wilson

About this title

About the Author:

Barbara Packer is Professor of English at the University of California, Los Angeles.

About this edition

• Publisher: Belknap Press: An Imprint of Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0674011902
• ISBN 13: 9780674011908
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 560
• Editor: Packer Barbara L., Slater Joseph, Wilson Douglas Emory