This lesson from a unit on American Transcendentalism focuses on Walt Whitman and his invention of the American free verse. It includes links to his poems "Song of Myself" and "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer." It provides...

This online book presents an overview of American literature chronologically. Eras and movements are explained and biographies of significant authors are provided. This is a good way to understand the background and influences of...

Explains what the 'Scottish philosophy' was and how well it fitted with American sensibilities in the 1800s. Over time it evolved into the American philosophy of Pragmatism. The other philosophy that took hold in some groups of society...

This introduction to Romantic literature focuses on the learning outcomes of the study of various pieces of American Romantic literature. These include describe the major historical and cultural developments of the Romantic period,...

This is an introduction to the Transcendentalism period (1836-1860) in American Literature. It focuses on the beliefs and characteristics of transcendentalism and its leading authors: Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson and...

This lesson from a unit on American Transcendentalism focuses on Emily Dickinson and her poetry. It includes links to a Discovery Education video: "Emily Dickinson, 1830-1886: An Overview of Her Work" (registration required) and four of...

This lesson from a unit on American Transcendentalism focuses on Henry David Thoreau's Walden, a book about his living a frugal life in a secluded life in a cabin on Walden Pond. Links are provided to a Discovery Education video about...

This is an encyclopedia article which defines the period of Romanticism from the late 18th to the mid-19th century. It describes the characteristics of Romanticism in general and in literature, visual arts, and music.

The complete text of Emerson's essay, "History." The text can be read online or downloaded in MP3 or PDF format, or viewed as a webpage. In addition, the essay has downloadable support material which focuses on various reading and math...

Detailed biography of Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888 CE) from the Dictionary of Unitarian & Universalist Biography. Contains a couple of pictures as well.

Includes the entire e-text of Thoreau's (1817-1862 CE) "Maine Woods," as well as maps of his movement, contemporary and modern reviews, and links to other sites on this work.

The Thoreau Reader includes a full online text of Henry David Thoreau's compelling book-length commentary on nature and society, "Cape Cod." Also includes maps, reviews, and further links and information to this work.

This chapter from vol. XV of The Cambridge History of English and American Literature is the starting point of an extensive resource for students who wish to study the life and works of this major American literary figure. Includes...

The 19th century brought an Americanization of literature, art, thought, and social reform. Read about how the Second Great Awakening brought a revival in religion and sparked reform movements in suffrage, slavery, and treatment of...

An excellent article detailing the major events of the life and works of Henry David Thoreau. Complete with links to Thoreau's most famous works and interesting details about his life.

Two online photos of Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862 CE). Also provides commentary and quotes on the man's physical nature and appearance.