Thoreau has inspired generations of readers to think for themselves and to find meaning and beauty in nature. This sampling includes five of his most frequently read and cited essays: "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience" (1849), "Life without Principle" (1863), "Slavery in Massachusetts" (1854), "A Plea for Captain John Brown" (1869) and "Walking" (1862). Reprinted from standard editions.
Great Speeches by Abraham Lincoln Masterly orations and letters. "House Divided" speech (1858), First Inaugural Address (1861), Gettysburg Address (1863), Letter to Mrs. Bixby (1864), Second Inaugural Address (1865), 11 others.
Self-Reliance and Other Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson Six essays and one address outline Emerson's moral idealism and hint at later scepticism. In addition to title essay, this volume includes "History," "Friendship," "The Over-Soul," "The Poet" and "Experience," plus the Harvard Divinity School Address.
The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois This landmark in the literature of black protest eloquently affirms that it is beneath the dignity of a human being to beg for those rights that belong inherently to all mankind.
Pragmatism by William James Noted psychologist and philosopher develops his own brand of pragmatism, based on theories of C. S. Peirce. Emphasis on "radical empiricism," versus the transcendental and rationalist tradition.
Walden; Or, Life in the Woods by Henry David Thoreau Accounts of Thoreau's daily life on the shores of Walden Pond outside Concord, Massachusetts, are interwoven with musings on the virtues of self-reliance and individual freedom, on society, government, and other topics.
A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers by Henry David Thoreau While paddling with his brother, Thoreau makes brilliant observations on literature, philosophy, Native American and Puritan histories of New England, friends, and a diversity of other topics.
Cape Cod by Henry David Thoreau Thoreau's compelling account of the region's plants, animals, topography, weather, and people features captivating tales of exploration, settlement, and survival.
Nature and Other Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson A soul-satisfying collection of 12 essays by the noted philosopher and poet who embraced independence, rejected conformity, and loved nature. Includes the title essay, plus "Character," "Intellect," "Spiritual Laws," "Circles," and others.
The Heart of Thoreau’s Journals by Odell Shepard The conflict between scientific observation and poetry, reflections on abolition, transcendental philosophy, other concerns are explored in this superb general selection from Thoreau's voluminous Journal.
