EMERSON, Ralph Waldo (1803-1882). Autograph manuscript verses signed (“R.W. Emerson”), entitled “Brahma,” consisting of four 4-line stanzas, titled at top of the sheet. 1 page, 12mo (8 x 5 in), integral blank.
EMERSON, Ralph Waldo (1803-1882). Autograph manuscript verses signed (“R.W. Emerson”), entitled “Brahma,” consisting of four 4-line stanzas, titled at top of the sheet. 1 page, 12mo (8 x 5 in), integral blank.

Details
EMERSON, Ralph Waldo (1803-1882). Autograph manuscript verses signed (“R.W. Emerson”), entitled “Brahma,” consisting of four 4-line stanzas, titled at top of the sheet. 1 page, 12mo (8 x 5 in), integral blank.

A FAIR COPY OF "EMERSON'S BRAHMA," one of his finest lyrics. The poet assumes the role of the Hindu god Brahma, and expresses the transcendental nature of life and mortality, a view derived from Emerson’s study of the Hindu Upanishads. Written in 1856, the poem was first published in the Atlantic Monthly in November 1857. The first stanza reads: “If the red slayer think he slays, / Or if the slain think he is slain, / They know not well the subtle ways / I keep, and pass, and turn again...” the final stanza reads: “The strong gods pine for my abode, / And pine in vain the sacred Seven; / But thou, meek lover of the good! / Find me, and turn thy back on heaven.” RARE. No fair copy of this poem has been offered at auction since at least 1975.

More from Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts including Americana

View All
View All