The essays in this book, first published in 1860, were developed from a series of lectures on "The Conduct of Life" delivered by Emerson during the early 1850s. The published essays show Emerson's interest in many practical aspects of human life, and reflect his increasing involvement in politics--chiefly in the antislavery movement--during the decade before the Civil War. This edition is based on Emerson's holograph manuscripts and published sources, and incorporates Emerson's later corrections and revisions.