Poe, Emerson, and Literary National Identity

We conclude (for now) our readings of Poe and Emerson by taking a look at how they conceived of American literary nationalism. John goes deep into Emerson's influences, while Emmet brings in some historical background.

Errata: Where Emmet says "John Henry" he meant to say "John Brown."

To get updates on Emmet's upcoming lecture on Book I of Plato's Republic, download his free ebook on the Republic here.

Bibliography.

Twitter.

Closing Song: "Work" by Pickpocket.

Cover image: Thomas Cole (1801–1848), The Oxbow, View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts, after a Thunderstorm (1836).