The Transparent Eye of Ralph Waldo Emerson: Science, Politics, and Poetry with Authors James Marcus and Robert Sullivan

The philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), known as the leader of the Transcendentalist movement, is often viewed as a mystic. Yet this visionary figure was inspired by science and the interconnectedness he saw in the natural world. He immersed himself in geology, botany, zoology, and astronomy – arguing that urban life would be improved if a telescope was at every street corner.
 
In his latest book, Glad to the Brink of Fear: A Portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson, James Marcus repositions Emerson as a rebel, considering his ideas in their full complexity. He will be joined by author and essayist Robert Sullivan for a sweeping conversation that explores the many facets of Emerson, beginning with his early interest in science to his evolution as an abolitionist, activist, and one of the most influential thinkers of 19th century America.
 
The Museum will be open to visitors until the talk begins at 6 PM.
 
This event will be in-person and will not be recorded.
 
Copies of Glad to the Brink of Fear will be available for purchase and a book signing will follow the conversation.
 
Walk-in visitors are welcome. Advance registration is appreciated.
 
About the Speaker
James Marcus is the author of Glad to the Brink of Fear: A Portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson. His essays and criticism have appeared in The New Yorker, The Times Literary Supplement, The Nation, VQR, The American Scholar, and many other publications. He is also the former editor of Harper's Magazine, and currently teaches at NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute.
 
Robert Sullivan is the author of numerous books, including Rats, The Meadowlands, My American Revolution , and The Thoreau You Don't Know. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, A Public Space, and Vogue. He was born in New York City, worked for many years in Portland, Oregon, and now lives in Philadelphia. He is the recipient of a 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship.
 
Things to Know Before Your Visit
• Masks are recommended but not required.
 
• There is no coat check or place to stow personal items – please travel light.
 
• To protect the specimens and our historic interiors, photography is not allowed in the museum and food and drink are not permitted in the building.
 
•The Institute does not have a parking lot. Street parking on Montgomery Avenue and 17th Street is free and metered parking is available on Bouvier Street and Cecil B. Moore.
 
A dream that keeps growing…
 
In 1855, William Wagner had a dream of providing free science education to anyone who wanted to learn, regardless of background or ability to pay. Today, the Wagner offers more programs to more people than ever before! Your support helps us provide free education, not only through the museum, but through a wide range of courses, lectures, field trips, and children’s science programs. Donations also assist us in caring for the museum and library collections and in preserving our wonderful building, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. To learn more about what we do please visit our website.
 
 
Registration Information
In keeping with its original charter, admission is free—donations are suggested to ensure the future and quality of Wagner's free education programs and to preserve its National Landmark building and collections.
 
Suggested Donations
 
$10/adult
 
$5/student
 
For any questions, please email communications@wagnerfreeinstitute.org or call 215-763-6529 x13.
 
If you would like to check your membership status or become a member, please email KellyT@wagnerfreeinstitute.org or call 215-763-6529 x11.