ALS signed “R. W. Emerson,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, August 20, 1839. Letter to Frederick Henry Hedge in Bangor, Maine, written from Concord, discussing travel plans and literature. In part: "Edward Palmer was here lately—grown very much since he was in Concord a year ago, in his insight & in the scope of his reform. One great thing he said, which I cannot get out of my head; we were talking of writing, and he said, 'I fancy, I can do everything I think, & so shall not need a record.' I have read lately with more interest than any book for a very long time Bettina Arnim. I have it in English; & it is wonderful & renews youth in hearts that are getting aged. The proud Goethe stands very meekly on his good behaviour before this great hearted & inspired girl. Henry Thoreau has written some pure poetry; not a speck in the glass. Never any so good in America, I think, you will say. Carlyle writes that he goes to Scotland & there decides whether to come to America next fall, or stay at home & begin a new book, being strongly impelled to do both. He has met Webster at a breakfast & gives the best picture of him that was ever painted. He seems never to have seen a man who so struck his imagination. I get good letters from Margaret Fuller who is in spirits…I waste my days lately, & have got only four chapters done & the summer is well nigh spent." In very good to fine condition, with seal-related paper loss to the last page, and old tape reinforcing the folds on the integral address leaf. An utterly fascinating letter name-dropping several leading figures of the Transcendentalist movement, including an important early reference to Henry David Thoreau.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
