After Emerson

Whereas Emerson & Self-Culture was an extended study of many of the central themes in Emerson’s writings, After Emerson relies upon the essay form to think with and through Emerson into various topics like the nature of ethics, the self, philosophy’s relation to poetry, how to think historically, and whether one ought to philosophize as an American.

“To read Lysaker—and the book is worth reading slowly—is to know one is learning almost by osmosis. … In place of an itinerary or summary one awakens to bafflement not unlike awakening to the infinite disruptions, attractions, and chaos of a teeming street market in Goa. One needs time to acclimate. One is stirred.” Edward F. Mooney, Emerson Society Papers

“Acknowledged as one of his generations premier Emerson scholars, Lysaker goes beyond his earlier work, Emerson & Self-Culture… [T]he writing is stimulating, vibrant, challenging, risky, and fecund.” Recommended. D. B. Boersma, Choice

“An original and stimulating book, manifesting a level of reflection and existential concern of the highest order.” Robert E. Innis 

“There is something fresh and hence refreshing in the manner in which Lysaker takes up familiar topics. He shows, with both arresting details and an evolving design, how the conduct of life … demands a form of thought frequently at odds with contemporary fashions and preoccupations…” Vincent Colapietro