PREFACE. THE main authorities for the text of Emerson's verses are (1) the "Poems" of 1847-largely composed of contributions to the "Dial"; (2) "May-Day and Other Pieces" (1867) — containing in one section the most characteristic Mottoes from the "Essays"; (3) the selected poems of 1876, containing the best things from (1) and (2), with several new pieces. Some of the poems, especially the early ones, underwent considerable revision. The plan of the present volume can be stated simply. Part I. contains the volume of 1847-including the pieces that Emerson did not afterwards reprint; Part II. contains the volume of 1867, with the "Elements” section extended by the inclusion of the Mottoes omitted by Emerson; Part III. contains the new pieces of 1876; Part IV. contains the original version of "May-Day," with additional pieces not found in the other verse-books. The revised text is used, and all variations of any importance are recorded in the Notes, which give, as well, brief explanations of certain obscurities, though attempting nothing, of course, in the way of complete commentary. G. S. 143251 |