*HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION* An engaging look at America's philosopher. Richardson's prose is superb as he tells the story of both Emerson's external as well as internal lives. What I found most illuminating was his clear-eyed explanation of Emerson's philosophy, one that is truly "the American Religion." If you haven't read Emerson's work in a while (or ever) or still don't know what "transcendentalism" or "self-reliance" really mean, Richardson tells you in a few brief paragraphs that parallel the power of Emerson's own work. Truly a worthwhile read.
