The infinitude of the private man
Subtitle: Emerson's presence in western New York, 1851-1861
By: Sallee Fox Engstrom.
Series: American university studies.; vol. 66
Publisher: P. Lang; Lang AG International Academic Publishers, Peter
Published: 1997
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 159
Subjects: Emerson, Ralph Waldo, 1803-1882 -- Appreciation -- New York (State), Western.; Emerson, Ralph Waldo, 1803-1882 -- Political and social views.; Emerson, Ralph Waldo, 1803-1882 -- Influence.; Lectures and lecturing -- New York (State), Western -- History -- 19th century.; Social movements -- New York (State), Western -- History -- 19th century.; Philosophy, American -- 19th century.; Social sciences -- Philosophy.; New York (State), Western -- Intellectual life -- 19th century.
Description: Recent scholarship has uncovered much that is significant in the work of the later Emerson, especially in his lectures of the forties and fifties. This book relates Ralph Waldo Emerson's 1851-1861 lecturing in Western New York state to the reform movements and other "enthusiasms" rampant in this region at this time. Engstrom asserts a bond of mutual influence between Emerson and his reform-minded audiences due to the emphasis of both on change and individual potential.

A particular influence is seen through portions of an eighteen-year correspondence between Emerson and one Western New York woman with whom he became acquainted in 1850.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [143]-150) and index.