Emerson and Thoreau Figures of Friendship [Paperback]

This lively volume explores the theme of friendship in the lives and works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Written from diverse perspectives, the essays offer close readings of selected texts and draw on letters and journals to offer a comprehensive view of how Emersons and Thoreaus friendships took root and bolstered their individual political, social, and ethical projects. This collection explores how Emerson and Thoreau, in their own ways, conceived of friendship as the creation of shared meaning in light of personal differences, tragedy and loss, and changing life circumstances. Emerson and Thoreau presents important reflections on the role of friendship in the lives of individuals and in global culture.

John T. Lysaker is Professor and Head of Philosophy at the University of Oregon. He is author of Emerson and Self-Culture (IUP, 2008).

William Rossi is Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in English at the University of Oregon. He is editor of Walden and Resistance to Civil Government and several volumes of Thoreaus works, including Walden, Civil Disobedience, and Other Writings and Journal, volumes 3 and 6.

[T]his splendid volume ... is a substantial contribution to our understanding of the friendship between Emerson and Thoreau, and of nineteenth century literary culture more generally.Vol. 22.1 Spring 2011Emerson & Thoreau rises above the rest in that it sheds light not only on ideas but on the human interests that imbue them sometimes with beauty, occasionally with virtue, and too often with tragedy.V.6.2 Summer 2011

Acknowledgments
Abbreviations for Emerson, Thoreau, and Carlyle Citations
Introduction / John T. Lysaker and William Rossi
Part 1. Transcendental Contexts
1. Transcendental Friendship: An Oxymoron? / Lawrence Buell
2. Forgiving the Giver: Emerson, Carlyle, Thoreau / Barbara Packer
Part 2. Emerson's Friendship
3. In the Golden Hour of Friendship : Transcendentalil“ƒ