Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Ralph Waldo Emerson" by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. This work focuses on the life and influence of Ralph Waldo Emerson, a prominent American essayist, philosopher, and poet known for his role in the transcendentalist movement. The book explores Emerson's familial background, education, personal development, and philosophical contributions, presenting a comprehensive view of his life's trajectory and intellectual evolution. The beginning of the book introduces Emerson's early years, detailing his birth in Boston in 1803 and his upbringing in a family of ministers. It describes his educational journey, highlighting his time at Harvard and his early aspirations toward a career in the ministry, which later influenced his philosophical views. Furthermore, the text outlines the significant relationships and formative experiences that shaped his character, including his interactions with fellow intellectuals and the impact of his family's academic legacy. Through a series of personal anecdotes and observations from those who knew him, the opening sets the stage for a deeper examination of Emerson's profound ideas and the principles he espoused throughout his life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was an American physician, poet, and polymath based in Boston. Grouped among the fireside poets, he was acclaimed by his peers as one of the best writers of the day. His most famous prose works are the "Breakfast-Table" series, which began with The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table (1858). He was also an important medical reformer. In addition to his work as an author and poet, Holmes also served as a physician, professor, lecturer, inventor, and, although he never practiced it, he received formal training in law.