The Essential Transcendentalists

by Richard G. Geldard (Editor)

Interest abounds in the work of the Transcendentalists, such as Emerson, Thoreau, and Bronson Alcott. Each year, tens of thousands of readers rediscover Transcendental thought in books and articles, and in visits to historic sites, such as Walden Pond. But few appreciate the truly mystical and contemplative qualities of the Transcendentalists, and the spiritual movements and figures they have since inspired.   As Richard G. Geldard-one of today's leading scholars of Emerson-illustrates in The Essential Transcendentalists , Transcendentalism adds up to a school of practical spiritual philosophy that aims to guide the individual toward inner development, much like that of Stoicism in Western antiquity. This current of New England mysticism has influenced modern-day luminaries as diverse as essayist Annie Dillard and Ernest Holmes, founder of the worldwide Religious Science movement.   Through revealing commentary, historical overview, and selections from classic works, The Essential Transcendentalists provides a distinctive and heretofore neglected examination of the spiritual breadth and depth of "Yankee mysticism."

Genres: Philosophy, History, Nonfiction

265 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2005

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a scholarly book and some of it is a little tedious. However, I learned so much it was worth it. And at least half of the book is dedicated to samples of writings by Emerson and Thoreau, and that alone was well worth reading. Now I want to re-read everything Thoreau ever wrote. Emerson is harder to read because the language is very formal....but also worth seeking out his work.

Here's a quote from the forward: "What is striking about their journeys (Emerson, Thoreau, Amos Bronson Alcott, and Margaret Fuller) is their conviction that the truth of reality was based on some principle other than materialism and that the task of uncovering that principle and describing it to the world would be their task in life."

[August · Rating 4 out of 5]

This functions like a reader but has an excellent introduction from the editor, Richard Geldard. The three main sections: primary texts, individual voices, and heritage seem to cover the usual suspects. This is a book worth reading to find out the origins of American Transcendentalism.

[Kai · Rating 3 out of 5]

The primary sources collected in the book are an excellent overview of the ideas of the major figures in the Transcendental movement; however, Geldard's background as an Emerson scholar comes through in his notes on the texts. He places Emerson as the primary and central figure in American Transcendentalism, at times to the point of relegating the other major figures to secondary or background positions. Overall, I found this book to be more useful for the texts themselves than for the commentary on them.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written introduction to the Transcendentalists, placing them in context, describing the lasting influence of their ideas, and conveying their essential themes better in some ways than their 19th century stylings!

[Jared Apper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a few good passages. Thought it was more of a collection. Had a lot of the authors thoughts as well. Also, many excerpts from other books