Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A brilliant essayist and a master of the aphorism ("Our moods do not believe in each other"; "Money often costs too much"), Emerson has inspired countless writers. He challenged Americans to shut their ears against Europe's "courtly muses" and to forge a new, distinctly American cultural identity. But he remains one of America's least understood writers. And, by his own admission, he spawned neither school nor follower (he valued independent thought too much). Now, in this annotated selection of Emerson's writings, David Mikics instructs the reader in a larger appreciation of Emerson's essential works and the remarkable thinker who produced them.

Full of color illustrations and rich in archival photographs, this volume offers much for the specialist and general reader. In his running commentaries on Emerson's essays, addresses, and poems, Mikics illuminates contexts, allusions, and language likely to cause difficulty to modern readers. He quotes extensively from Emerson's Journal to shed light on particular passages or lines and examines Emerson the essayist, poet, itinerant lecturer, and political activist. Finally, in his Foreword, Phillip Lopate makes the case for Emerson as a spectacular truth teller--a model of intellectual labor and anti-dogmatic sanity.

Anyone who values Emerson will want to own this edition. Those wishing to discover, or to reacquaint themselves with, Emerson's writings but who have not known where or how to begin will not find a better starting place or more reliable guide than The Annotated Emerson .

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

As with other recent annotated editions from Harvard (such as of Pride and Prejudice) this is an oversized illustrated volume of writings from the canon, with instructive notes, establishing context and defining terms, placed within the wide margins next to the text itself. Editor Mikics has selected the best known of Emerson's works but also includes excerpts from his journals, selections from lesser-read books, and a number of his poems. The volume is prefaced by a thoughtful foreword by Philip Lopate and a very useful editor's introduction. Unfortunately, there is no index by which readers may make connections from piece to piece or note to note. The selections broaden our sense of Emerson. For example, in an excerpt from his English Traits, in which he describes meeting an aged William Wordsworth, we can see both Emerson's quiet humor as well as his keen ability to derive a general truth from a specific personal observation. VERDICT General readers under an obligation to read Emerson-never ideal reading circumstances-may yet be daunted, but they shouldn't be with these notes and illustrations. All in all, this handsome edition will be useful both to newcomers and to Emerson vets.-Margaret Heilbrun, Library Journal (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Review

The #1 essayist and pure prose stylist in U.S. literature is on grand display in this lavish edition of essays, poems, and passages from Emerson's voluminous journals. The neophyte entering the Emersonian universe, as opposed to the scholar, is best served by Mikics's careful annotations and cogent commentary surrounding these selections, though even the most knowledgeable scholar would benefit. With so many collections available over the years, the selection process is not easy. Although not the greatest of poets, Emerson can certainly lay claim to greatness as an engaged philosopher, as well as in his influence in the golden age of American writing. Mikics, University of Houston English professor, compares Emerson to Shakespeare in the way he pervades the culture. In fact, one of the most insightful essays is on "Shakspeare" (as Emerson insists on spelling the Bard's name). Of keen interest are Emerson's writings against slavery; his condemnation of Martin Van Buren regarding the Cherokee nation's Trail of Tears; his sentiments on Margaret Fuller, whom, along with Thoreau, he held in the highest esteem. Also included are such touchstones as the Divinity School Address, "Nature," "Self-Reliance," and "The Poet." 92 color illus. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

CHOICE Review

Mikics (Univ. of Houston) has put together a handsome edition of Emerson's most popular and enduring work. First-time readers of Emerson will find the collection useful because the annotations reference the common occurrences of Emerson's attention and, along with the illustrations, place Emerson's work in the context of the 19th century. More-experienced readers of Emerson will value the many annotations that reference his journals, letters, and other essays not gathered here. The collection complements the Library of America's two-volume Selected Journals, ed. by Lawrence Rosenwald (CH, May'11, 48-4939), and The Journals and Miscellaneous Notebooks of Ralph Waldo Emerson, ed. by William H. Gilman et al. (16v, 1960-82, several reviewed in Choice). The present volume is part of the Harvard University Press's project to renew critical attention of Emerson. Mikics's selection of work and Lopate's foreword align themselves nicely with that goal. The only drawback to the volume is its physical size (four pounds, 540 pages): one wishes it were more portable for classroom use. Nonetheless, this is an important addition to the literature. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic and general readers. R. T. Prus Southeastern Oklahoma State University