Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet. He was seen as a leader of the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century and as a champion of individualism and a prescient critic of the countervailing pressures of society. Emerson is famous for his essays, commonly associated with transcendentalism and romanticism. Contents: Life of Emerson Critical Opinions of Emerson and His Writings The American Scholar Compensation Self-reliance Friendship Heroism Manners Gifts Nature Shakespeare; or, the Poet Prudence Circles History Spiritual Laws Love The Over-Soul Intellect Art The Poet Experience Character Politics Nonimalist and Realist New England Reformers