Glad to the Brink of Fear

"""Playful and insightful. . . . Marcus’s passion for his subject and his understanding of what makes a successful biography mean this book is delightful for any reader, however much (or little) they previously know about Emerson.""---Jessica Ferri, Washington Post ""[Glad to the Brink of Fear] emphasizes the enduring freshness and abiding relevance of Emerson’s writing. . . . Though many other biographers have covered similar territory, Marcus’ treatment provides a distinct and memorable sense of revelation. A lively, intimate, absorbing account of the sage of Concord."" * Kirkus Reviews, starred review * ""A distinctive biography of philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson that homes in on ‘those elements of Emerson’s life that spoke to me most directly.’ Fortunately, Marcus’s instincts are a good guide to the shifting sands of Emerson’s life and thought. . . . The result is a discerning take on an essential 19th-century American thinker."" * Publishers Weekly * ""[A] psychologically astute portrait. . . . Marcus’ deeply personal interpretation illuminates an iconic prophet who discovered that seeking the meaning of life turns out to be the meaning of life."" * Booklist * ""This is a fascinating addition to the splendid series of which it’s a part.""---Alan Dent, The Penniless Press ""James Marcus’ new biography, Glad to the Brink of Fear: A Portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson, gives the best picture yet of Emerson—this country’s key thinker—whose writings try to answer, more than any others, the question of what it means to be an American. . . . [Marcus is] eloquent and moving in his effort to get as close as he can to Emerson the human being.""---David Mikics, Tablet ""The book, in a nutshell: generous and eloquent. . . . I believe I have learned and thought more — about Emerson, and Emerson and us — while reading Marcus’ book than any other.""---Peter Behrens, Arts Fuse"