Ralph Waldo Emerson

English Traits Ralph Waldo Emerson

An extremely readable survey of the national characteristics, manners and cultural achievements of the English people, written by America's greatest essayist. Contains: First Visit to England, Voyage to England, Land, Race, Ability, Manners, Truth, Character, Cockayne, Wealth, Aristocracy, Universities, Religion, Literature, The Times, Stonehenge, Personal, Result, Speech at Manchester, and a rather brusque final essay in reflection on the national character. (From the author's chapter VIII 'Character'): "The English race are reputed morose. I do not know that they have sadder brows than their neighbors of northern climates. They are sad by comparison with the singing and dancing nations: not sadder, but slow and staid, as finding their joys at home. They, too, believe that where there is no enjoyment of life, there can be no vigor and art in speech or thought; that your merry heart goes all the way, your sad one tires in a mile ."