Essays

Ralph Waldo Emerson was first known as an orator but converted many of his orations in to essays. This his second books was first published in 1841 and includes the famous essay, "Self-Reliance." His aunt called it a "strange medley of atheism and false independence," but it gained favourable reviews in London and Paris. This book, and its popular reception, more than any of Emerson's contributions to date laid the groundwork for his international fame. (source: Wikipedia)