Ralph Waldo Emerson Ralph Waldo Emerson is probably the most influential figure in American literary history. He was responsible for shaping the literary style and vision of the American Romantic Period. Nowadays, when we think of Transcendentalism we think immediately of Emerson. We think of Emerson because transcendental thought is most clearly expressed in his writings. As with all great writers, the events in Emerson's life have greatly influenced his thoughts. These events tell us …showed first 75 words of 1656 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1656 total…this book (Stovall). Whitman also adds the entire letter in the second edition of his book. Emerson's fame both at home and abroad is due mainly to one thing. Emerson had something to say and he said it. He said it in a way so beautifully that is keeps his best pages from ever growing old and becoming just a document of thought. Emerson's shining, energizing personality is still strong even today because of this.