At the time of Emerson's death, he was recognized as the foremost writer and thinker of his country; but this recognition had come only gradually. The candor and the vigor of his thinking had led him often to champion unpopular causes, and during his earlier years of authorship his departures form Unitarian orthodoxy were viewed with hostility and alarm. The spirit and ideas which constitute the essence of his teaching are fully expressed in the essays contained in this volume. Contents: American Scholar; An Address; Man the Reformer; Self-Reliance; Compensation; Friendship; Heroism; The Over-Soul; Circles; The Poet; Character; Manners; Gifts; Nature; Politics; New England Reformers; Worship; Beauty.