A finely honed abridgement of Emerson’s principal essays with an introduction that clarifies the essence of Emerson’s ideas and establishes their relevance to our own troubled era. This is the first truly accessible edition of Emerson’s work, revealing him to be one of America’s wisest teachers.
"Emerson is the sweetest singer of our highest moments. For anyone in search of a tonic draft of his wisdom, this book, collecting some of his most radiant moods, is a rapture and an inspiration." –Pico Iyer
"These selections from Emerson’s essays, equally severe and consoling, are remarkably current in their wisdom. They are chosen with great care by Richard Whelan, and offer a special unextinguishable light." — Roger Rosenblatt