Carlyle, Emerson and the Transatlantic Uses of Authority: Literature, Print, Performance

It compares the literary styles and themes of Thomas Carlyle and Ralph Waldo Emerson, highlighting their contributions to Anglo-American print culture and oral performance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

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In the context of Anglo-American print culture and oral performance, a comparative analysis of Thomas Carlyle and Ralph Waldo Emerson reveals fascinating insights into the nature of literature, language, and the human experience.

Thomas Carlyle, a prominent figure in the Victorian era, was known for his expansive and critical writings on a wide range of subjects, including history, politics, religion, and philosophy. Carlyle's works were characterized by their robust language, vivid imagery, and deep exploration of human nature.

One of Carlyle's most notable works is "The French Revolution," which he wrote in the aftermath of the tumultuous events of 1789. In this book, Carlyle provides a detailed account of the revolution's causes, effects, and the personalities involved. He uses a combination of historical analysis, philosophical reflection, and personal anecdotes to convey his views on the revolution and its significance for the future of Europe.

Through his writings, Carlyle sought to challenge the dominant ideologies of his time and promote a more humanistic and empathetic approach to society. He believed that literature had the power to shape people's beliefs and values and that it could be used to promote social change and improve the human condition.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, on the other hand, was a transcendentalist philosopher and poet who emerged in the mid-19th century. Emerson's writings were characterized by their emphasis on individualism, self-reliance, and the interconnectedness of all things. He believed that the natural world was the source of all knowledge and wisdom and that human beings could access this wisdom through their own experiences and intuition.

Emerson's most famous work is "Nature," a collection of essays that explores the relationship between human beings and the natural world. In these essays, Emerson emphasizes the importance of simplicity, mindfulness, and the appreciation of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. He encourages readers to develop a deep connection with nature and to use it as a source of inspiration and guidance in their lives.

Despite their differences in style and approach, Carlyle and Emerson shared a common belief in the power of literature and language to shape human experience. Both writers were deeply committed to the idea that literature could be used to promote social change and improve the human condition.

In conclusion, a comparative analysis of Thomas Carlyle and Ralph Waldo Emerson reveals the rich and complex nature of Anglo-American print culture and oral performance. Carlyle's robust language and vivid imagery, combined with his exploration of human nature, sought to challenge dominant ideologies and promote a more humanistic and empathetic approach to society. Emerson's emphasis on individualism, self-reliance, and the interconnectedness of all things, on the other hand, encouraged readers to develop a deep connection with nature and use it as a source of inspiration and guidance in their lives. Both writers were deeply committed to the idea that literature could be used to promote social change and improve the human condition, and their works continue to resonate with readers today.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 165 x 244 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474491945