About the book
Theodore Parker (1810–1860) was a powerful preacher who rejected the authority of the Bible and of Jesus, a brilliant scholar who became a popular agitator for the abolition of slavery and for women’s rights, and a political theorist who defined democracy as “government of all the people, by all the people, for all the people” — words that inspired Abraham Lincoln. Parker had more influence than anyone except Ralph Waldo Emerson in shaping Transcendentalism in America.
In American Heretic, Dean Grodzins offers a compelling account of the remarkable first phase of Parker’s career, when this complex man — charismatic yet awkward, brave yet insecure — rose from poverty and obscurity to fame and notoriety as a Transcendentalist prophet. Grodzins reveals hitherto hidden facets of Parker’s life, including his love for a woman who was not his wife, and presents fresh perspectives on Transcendentalism. Grodzins explores Transcendentalism’s religious roots, shows the profound religious and political issues at stake in the “Transcendentalist controversy,” and offers new insights into Parker’s Transcendentalist colleagues, including Emerson, Margaret Fuller, and Bronson Alcott. He traces, too, the intellectual origins of Parker’s epochal definition of democracy as government of, by, and for the people.
The manuscript of this book was awarded the Allan Nevins Prize by the Society of American Historians.
Editions of American Heretic
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807827109
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469622941
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807862049
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890872296
Read an Excerpt
Theodore Parker (1810–1860) was a powerful preacher who rejected the authority of the Bible and of Jesus, a brilliant scholar who became a popular agitator for the abolition of slavery and for women’s rights, and a political theorist who defined democracy as “government of all the people, by all the people, for all the people” — words that inspired Abraham Lincoln. Parker had more influence than anyone except Ralph Waldo Emerson in shaping Transcendentalism in America.
In American Heretic, Dean Grodzins offers a compelling account of the remarkable first phase of Parker’s career, when this complex man — charismatic yet awkward, brave yet insecure — rose from poverty and obscurity to fame and notoriety as a Transcendentalist prophet. Grodzins reveals hitherto hidden facets of Parker’s life, including his love for a woman who was not his wife, and presents fresh perspectives on Transcendentalism. Grodzins explores Transcendentalism’s religious roots, shows the profound religious and political issues at stake in the “Transcendentalist controversy,” and offers new insights into Parker’s Transcendentalist colleagues, including Emerson, Margaret Fuller, and Bronson Alcott. He traces, too, the intellectual origins of Parker’s epochal definition of democracy as government of, by, and for the people.
The manuscript of this book was awarded the Allan Nevins Prize by the Society of American Historians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Heretic about?
Theodore Parker (1810–1860) was a powerful preacher who rejected the authority of the Bible and of Jesus, a brilliant scholar who became a popular agitator for the abolition of slavery and for women’s rights, and a political theorist who defined democracy as “government of all the people, by all the people, for all the people” — words that inspired Abraham Lincoln. Parker had more influence than anyone except Ralph Waldo Emerson in shaping Transcendentalism in America.
In American Heretic, Dean Grodzins offers a compelling account of the remarkable first phase of Parker’s career, when this complex man — charismatic yet awkward, brave yet insecure — rose from poverty and obscurity to fame and notoriety as a Transcendentalist prophet. Grodzins reveals hitherto hidden facets of Parker’s life, including his love for a woman who was not his wife, and presents fresh perspectives on Transcendentalism. Grodzins explores Transcendentalism’s religious roots, shows the profound religious and political issues at stake in the “Transcendentalist controversy,” and offers new insights into Parker’s Transcendentalist colleagues, including Emerson, Margaret Fuller, and Bronson Alcott. He traces, too, the intellectual origins of Parker’s epochal definition of democracy as government of, by, and for the people.
The manuscript of this book was awarded the Allan Nevins Prize by the Society of American Historians.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in American Heretic?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general > Biography: religious and spiritual
Where can I read a sample of American Heretic?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807827109
How long is American Heretic and how many pages does it have?
American Heretic has 656 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book American Heretic?
Dean Grodzins
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
American Heretic is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807827109) and paperback(ISBN 9781469622941) and ebook(ISBN 9780807862049) and pdf(ISBN 9798890872296)
Where can I buy American Heretic online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy American Heretic?