the poems have the sanction of his pencillings on the margin of his printed poems. The tenth, eleventh, and twelfth volumes consist of lectures unprinted during Mr. Emerson's lifetime and of "Occasional Addresses" and other prose writings which have appeared separately or in periodicals. In the edition which was published soon after Mr. Emerson's death it did not seem best either to his family or to Mr. Cabot to present to the public any passages from Mr. Emerson's journals or the earlier writings. The continued interest in his life and work, and the lapse of years and the death of his contemporaries, have made it seem perhaps well now to print some selections. Mr. Cabot sanctioned the consideration of this project. As the journals cover nearly half a century (although the greater part of their contents appears in the printed books), the editing would require time and care. It is hoped that a few volumes may be prepared from these. I undertook the annotation of the works at the desire of the publishers, sharing their feeling that to the student of Emerson side-lights on the man, his surroundings, his work, and method might be welcome, gathered from the journals, the correspondence, reminiscences, and works written about him. In supplying the notes I have had to rely on my own judgment. The pressure due to the late undertaking of the work has prevented my revising and condensing them. Remembering that notes seem to many readers an interruption and even an impertinence, they have been placed at the end of each volume. Repetitions occur, because a reader who wishes information cannot search all the volumes. The occurrence of the same thought or expression in prose and poems has been pointed out. I thankfully acknowledge the help of friends in finding the more unusual quotations. I also gratefully recognize the help received from the works of various writers about my father. the EDWARD WALDO EMERSON. CONCORD, April 8th, 1903. Delivered before the Senior Class in Divinity Col- lege, Cambridge, July 15, 1838. |