Find a Title
The University of North Carolina Press
656 pp., 61/8 x 91/4, 23 illus., notes, bibl., index
Published: November 2002
Theodore Parker and Transcendentalism
A 2003 Choice Outstanding Academic Title
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.
"Grodzins brilliantly brings Parker to life. . . . [his] rich and textured portrait is buttressed by meticulous scholarship: He has left no available book or journal unopened. . . . Great fun: an elegant, deeply scholarly work that by turns reads like a coming-of-age novel, a conversion narrative, a tragic historical romance, and an intellectual odyssey. . . . A dazzling
--and essential
"Grodzins provides an intricately remastered portrait of a highly controversial yet profoundly influential scholar and pastor. . . . Far more than an impressive account of a religious figure, American Heretic provides a noteworthy contribution to American intellectual history. . . . Highly recommended."
--Choice
"Grodzins has written what is without a doubt the definitive treatment of the early life of Theodore Parker. . . . For its sheer scale, depth of research, level of clarity, and more, it stands as quite an achievement."
--H-SHEAR
"This book uncovers so much new evidence and produces so many gems of original insight into Parker's brilliant yet complex personality that any reader interested in the social or intellectual aspects of the period should profit greatly."
--American Historical Review
"A discerning and comprehensive account of Parker's life and thought through 1846. . . . Grodzin's sequel on the last fifteen years of Parker's life will be eagerly awaited."
--Journal of American History
"Deeply researched, elegantly written, and [an] altogether convincing portrait of Theodore Parker. . . . Grodzins guides the reader with a sure hand and a clear commitment to Parker. . . . He seamlessly integrates published writings and extensive manuscript resources to capture the nuance, passion, and brilliance of Parker's mind. . . . One of the best antebellum biographies of recent decades."
--Journal of the Early Republic
Cloth: $45.00
© 2007 The University of North Carolina Press
116 South Boundary Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-3808
Privacy |
Sitemap |
Make a Gift |
Environmental Policy
