Emerson and Thoreau: Emerson & Thoreau: Figures of Friendship (American Philosophy) Hardcover

Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, the two giants of American transcendentalism, enjoyed a friendship that was both positive and negative. They had mutual intellectual interests, liked and admired each other, and shared many of life experiences. But their friendship was also challenged by personal rivalries, disappointments, and misunderstandings--which is to say that their friendship mirrored the friendships that many experience. Lysaker (philosophy, Univ. of Oregon) and Rossi (English, Univ. of Oregon) believe that by studying Thoreau and Emerson's unique friendship and also their writing on the subject of friendship one can learn much about the mysterious and sometimes contradictory elements that tie all humans in friendship. Released in the 'American Philosophy' series, this book comprises nine essays by scholars from a variety of disciplines, including philosophy, English, education, and religion. Divided into four sections--'Transcendental Contexts, ' 'Emerson's "Friendship,"' 'Thoreau's Divergent Melodies, ' and 'Giving Friendship for Life'--the essays interpret various aspects and characteristics of the bond that the two men shared. Close examination of their written essays, letters, and journals does in fact enrich understanding of what the two men experienced. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. -- ChoiceP. J. Ferlazzo, Northern Arizona University, September 2010--P. J. Ferlazzo, Northern Arizona University (01/01/2010)