Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82) was a renowned American poet, essayist and transcendentalist. The first American thinker who exerted a wide and deep influence both at home and abroad was Ralph Waldo Emerson. Gifted with powers of original thought and exalted literary expression, he said: "Every man I meet is my superior in some way". Being a staunch follower of universal tolerance, he proclaimed the doctrine of individual liberty. He believed in the simplicity of energy of the higher law–the oneness of mankind. Placing the ethical code of humanity upon a practical basis–‘to live, let live and help live’, he laid emphasis on the dignity of the common man, and appealed to his countrymen to liberate themselves from the philosophy of resignation, and accept the gospel of aspiration, and urging every man to assert himself – not his isolated self, but his inclusive self. "Surrender yourself to the power within you-not the power to enslave, but the power to liberate, to help". "Dare to become the master of your own fate, and teach all and sundry to dare likewise". So far many books have been written on Ralph Waldo Emerson and many researches have been carried out on his works at different universities. This book is an attempt in direction of portraying him analytically from different angles. Besides his biographical sketch and his literary achievements, a critique of his works is presented, which is penned competently by many different scholars of repute. Definitely, this will serve as an ideal reference-cum-helpbook to student sand teachers of English literature.
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