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Ralph Waldo Emerson

Issue February 2012

Voluntaries

A poem in praise of soldiers who gave up their lives for the Union… More »

Issue February 2012

American Civilization

An Atlantic founder argues vehemently for the emancipation of the slaves.… More »

Issue February 2012

The President’s Proclamation

Seven months after his call to free the slaves, Emerson hails the Emancipation Proclamation.… More »

Voluntaries

Emerson pays poetic tribute to the Union's military volunteers… More »

Boston Hymn

The word of the Lord by night To the watching Pilgrims came, As they sat by the sea-side, And filled their hearts with flame. God said,—I am tired of kings, I suffer them no more; Up to my ear the morning brings The outrage of the poor. Think ye I made this ball A field of havoc and war, Where tyrants great and tyrants small Might harry the weak and poor? My angel,—his name is Freedom, Choose him to be your king; He shall cut pathways east…… More »

The President's Proclamation

Ralph Waldo Emerson hails Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation… More »

Thoreau

"The country knows not yet, or in the least part, how great a son it has lost."… More »

American Civilization

As the Civil War ground on, and the fate of the young nation hung in the balance, Ralph Waldo Emerson argued vehemently for a federal emancipation of the slaves. "Morality," above all else, he asserted, "is the object of government." He lauded President Lincoln for his principled moves in that direction. … More »

Four Poems

Brahma… More »

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The Biggest Story in Photos

Olympic Portraits, Part I: American Athletes

May 30, 2012

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