Emerson As Spiritual Guide: A Companion to Emerson's Essays for Personal Reflection and Group Discussion [Paperback]

Barry M. Andrews (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2003

"I believe Emerson is best understood as a spiritual guide and a spokesperson for an alternative American spiritual tradition. I have tried to make his message accessible and relevant to contemporary religious seekers." —Barry M. Andrews

Includes resources for further study and reflection.

"To finish the moment, to find the journey’s end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom." —from "Experience" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Though we may debate whether Ralph Waldo Emerson is primarily a poet, an essayist or a philosopher, for Barry Andrews, he is above all a spiritual teacher. His fiery genius ignited not only Thoreau but also Whitman, Fuller and many others. Though his life was riddled with loss, including the deaths of his first wife, two brothers and his first son, this remarkable man produced dozens of inspirational essays and poems and became the most widely quoted author in America today. Andrews' commentary shows a new generation of Americans how Emerson's spiritual journey joined an open heart with a critical mind. This will appeal to readers who consider themselves spiritual though not necessarily religious.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Andrews is a knowledgeable and articulate advocate for the continuing religious relevance of the New England Transcendentalists." -- David M. Robinson, author of The Unitarians and the Universalists

About the Author

Barry M. Andrews holds an MA and a D.Min. degree from Meadville Theological School in Chicago, Illinois. He is minister of religious education at the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, New York, and author of Thoreau as Spiritual Guide: A Companion to Walden.

Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: Skinner House Books (May 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558964495
• ISBN-13: 978-1558964495
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #261,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking, June 11, 2007

By 

S. Brown - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Emerson As Spiritual Guide: A Companion to Emerson's Essays for Personal Reflection and Group Discussion (Paperback)

I love Emerson. His writings cannot be taken lightly. They are never a casual read. This book is exactly what it claims to be......."A Companion" to some of Emerson's best known essays. It helped me to better understand what Emerson was trying to convey. Anything that expands my understanding of the spiritual realm is greatly appreciated.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Important Companion, November 20, 2009

By 

Dwight Fee (Murrells Inlet, SC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Emerson As Spiritual Guide: A Companion to Emerson's Essays for Personal Reflection and Group Discussion (Paperback)

Anyone reading Emerson needs this companion. He is so convoluted and often contradictory sometimes it's hard to get one's head around his profound ideas. Not only does this book present a lucid understanding, it also provides valuable reporting on his life.