American author and philosopher (1803–1882). whose central role in the Transcendentalist movement earned him a place among the most influential figures in 19th-century literature and thought. His two collections of Essays, which encompass such wide-ranging topics as “Love,” “Self-Reliance,” “Experience,” “Nature,” and “Politics,” remain a fixture of the Western canon. ALS signed “R. W. Emerson,” two pages both sides, 4.5 x 6.75, October 5, 1858. Emerson writes from Concord to Charles Bray. In part: “A dear friend of mine who is just going to Europe told me today that she was to pass through Coventry on her way to London. It occurred to me, as often before, that I once spent a very happy day in Coventry & its neighborhood under your auspices, and that, since, I have been seriously interested & indebted to a book & tracts which I received from you. It cannot be that as bright sunshine always rests on Coventry & on Stratford & the lands between, as on that day did rest for me. But I thought I would give my friend this note in her mind to present my greetings to you, if she found opportunity. My friend is Miss Elizabeth Hoar, for many years a sort of sister of mine, and on whim I & all her friends put the highest value…. And if your goodness & your health abound as they did when I saw you, you shall put my friends in the way to see the old church, which I remember with great respect, & give them any good advice that may occur to you for their guidance on their onward road….” Faint show-through of text, and mild soiling along mailing folds (just touching bottom edge of signature), otherwise fine, bright condition. R&R COA.
