Perspective

As this is a biography, the author is the narrator of Emerson's life. Much research on Emerson's life has been done by Richardson to make this story engaging and true. Due to the fact this is a biography, more than likely R. W. Emerson has had some impact on Richardson, which could lead one to believe that he could very well have a biased opinion of the Emerson.

Although this may be true, this book does not hide Emerson's flaws, weaknesses, insecurities, or failings. It is an honest account of Emerson's life, based on what resources are available regarding this man. Many other individuals' lives, interests, and ideas are included in this book to support the authors' claims about Emerson and to show the reader the paths that led Emerson to believe what he believed and what ideas existed at the time in which Emerson lived.

As the...