Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson

By: Ralph Waldo Emerson

Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach

Here in one volume are both the Essays: First Series and Essays: Second Series from one of the most influential philosophers in American history.

Although Ralph Waldo Emerson, perhaps America’s most famous philosopher, did not wish to be referred to as a transcendentalist, he is nevertheless considered the founder of this major movement of nineteenth-century American thought. Emerson was influenced by a liberal religious training; theological study; personal contact with the Romanticists Coleridge, Carlyle, and Wordsworth; and a strong indigenous sense of individualism and self-reliance. Emerson’s best work was done between 1836 and 1860, a period which includes his famous Essays.

These essays contain his most important writing and radiate with sensitivity and wonder. Here Emerson’s prose shows him to be both a vigorous thinker and a profound mystic, a man of exquisite feeling combined with stern moral fiber. His strong love of retirement from life, contemplation of the sublime and the mystic, his self-reliance, and his strong character left their stamp not only on such writers as Thoreau, Whitman, and Emily Dickinson but also on the American character at large.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) was a renowned lecturer and writer whose ideas on philosophy, religion, and literature influenced many writers, including Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman. After an undergraduate career at Harvard, he studied at Harvard Divinity School and became an ordained minister. He led the transcendentalist movement in America in the mid-nineteenth century. He is perhaps most well known for his publications Essays and Nature.

Public Domain (P)2001 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Emerson’s influence…continues to be profound on American thought.” (Masterpieces of World Literature)

“What I must do, is all that concerns me"

Would you listen to Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson again? Why?

Yes. If Emerson lived today we would probably classify him as self-help and he would be invited to TED talks. Tapping in to inspirational essays/lectures given into the 19th century is something quite extraordinary and it is nice to listen to that wisdom in audio format, because it's meant to be heard and was written for open discourse/presentation.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson?

The transcendental eyeball walking and taking nature in.

What about Jeff Riggenbach’s performance did you like?

His voice was very soothing and complimented the Emersonian themes very well.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Be original, try to carve your own path, don't be a copy of someone else. America and the New World can make things new rather than imitate the old Europe ways.

Best book ever

Would you listen to Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson again? Why?

Definitely. I really enjoyed this book and it really helped me to reevaluate how i look at my life.

I enjoyed it

Had some pretty good stories, as well as good points that came crossed. I had to check this one out since Napoleon Hill recommend it.

Tough listen

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Though I highly appreciate Emerson's work, listening to such heady material is extremely difficult. I found myself drifting off regularly.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson?

Self-Reliance is a classic no matter if one is listening or reading it.

What three words best describe Jeff Riggenbach’s voice?

Monotonous

For me, unlistenable

I am a big fan of Emerson and have been eagerly awaiting versions of his work in audio -- however, I simply CANNOT listen to this narrator - the voice is overly deep and low. It's like listening to music with too much bass. I've tried turning the bass setting to low, treble to high -- but it's still too much. I probably should have immediately requested a refund but I let it go. Because this book is completely unusable/unlistenable for me, I give it the lowest possible overall ranking, despite the 5-star content.