" .... Emerson's theory is that of the 'sovereignty of the individual.' To discover what a young man is good for, and to equip him for the path he is to strike out in life, regardless of any other consideration, is the great duty to which he calls attention. He makes men self-reliant. He reveals to the eyes of the idealist the magnificent results of practical activity, and unfolds before the realist the grandeur of the ideal world of thought. No man is to allow himself, through prejudice, to make a mistake in choosing the task to which he will devote his life. Emerson's essays are, as it were, printed sermons—all having this same text.... The wealth and harmony of his language overpowered and entranced me anew. But even now I cannot say wherein the secret of his influence lies. What he has written is like life itself—the unbroken thread ever lengthened through the addition of the small events which make up each day's experience." -Herman Grimm Table of Contents: Introduction Page Life of Emerson 5 Critical Opinions 11 Chronological List of Principal Works 17 The American Scholar 19 Compensation 49 Self Reliance 79 Friendship 117 Heroism 139 Manners 156 Gifts 187 Nature 193 Shakespeare; or, the Poet 217 Prudence 243 Circles 260 Notes 279