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Biographical Sketch

From Poems by Ralph Waldo Emerson, by Edward W. Emerson

This biographical sketch was written by Edward Waldo Emerson, Ralph Waldo Emerson's son, and published in 1899 as an introduction to a collection of his father's poetry. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) was one of America's most influential thinkers and writers, a leader of the Transcendentalist movement who left the ministry to pursue a calling as lecturer, essayist and poet. Edward's account traces his father's journey from Boston minister to Concord sage, showing how personal loss, intellectual honesty and a deep love of nature shaped a life devoted to seeking truth. This text is worth a reader's time because it demonstrates how one person's commitment to principle—choosing conscience over conformity—can reshape a nation's thought. This text reflects its era.

Band

Blue · Independent readers, confidentTypical starting range: ages 12–14

Length

long · about 1091 words in 5 sections · 2 pictures

Source

Poems, Ralph Waldo Emerson

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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