Preface and The Student Summary and Analysis

The Mind on Fire: A Biography tells the story of R. W. Emerson's life and career. Richardson has written this book in a way that reflects Emerson's own idea that the biographies of great men can be used to prove that there is much to be found in common among all human beings. This book reveals the genius and flaws of a man who was, among many things, a great writer and thinker.

In the Preface, Richardson gives background information into Emerson's personality and life and then thanks many individuals for their contributions to this work. A poem by William James ends the Preface.

In The Student: Chapter 1: Prologue, Emerson, at the age of twenty-eight, stills grieves for his wife, who passed away over a year before from tuberculosis. He opens her coffin to convince...