Essays: First and Second Series

The little book from 1836 that launched American Transcendentalism. Emerson argues that nature is a language of the spirit and that anyone can meet the universe directly, without leaning on tradition.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson's most quoted essay, from 1841. Trust yourself, ignore conformity and say what you think today, even if it contradicts what you said yesterday. You can read it in under an hour.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The 1841 collection that made Emerson famous, with twelve essays including Self-Reliance, Compensation, The Over-Soul and Circles. Each one opens with a short poem of his own.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Published in 1844, these essays are more personal and searching. Experience, written after the death of his young son, sits beside The Poet, Character, Manners, Gifts and Politics.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson's essay on the hidden balance of life: every gain has its cost and every loss brings something back. This is the 1904 Roycrofters edition, with its engraving of the Old Manse in Concord.

Ralph Waldo Emerson