David Van Leer Books

Since their first publication in the 1830s and 1840s, Edgar Allan Poe's extraordinary Gothic tales have established themselves as classics of horror fiction and have also created many of the conventions which still dominate the genre of detective fiction. As well as being highly enjoyable, Poe's tales are works of very real intellectual exploration. Attentive to the historical and political dimensions of these very American tales, this new selection places the most popular -- `The Fall of the House of Usher', `The Masque of the Red Death', `The Murders in the Rue Morgue; and `The Purloined Letter' -- alongside less well-known travel narratives, metaphysical essays and political satires.

Focusing on the lesser-known aspects of Emerson's philosophy, this work delves into his epistemological views, examining how they shape his understanding of knowledge and experience. David Van Leer analyzes Emerson's ideas, offering insights into the implications of his thought on various intellectual traditions. This exploration seeks to illuminate the connections between Emerson's philosophy and contemporary discussions, making it a valuable resource for scholars and readers interested in American thought.