The American essayist, poet and lecturer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, was born in Boston on 25 May 1803.

As Emerson was a leading literary figure in 19th Century America, the Archive contains 100s of interesting stories about his life and work.

To celebrate the day of his birth, here is a detailed newspaper report about an eagerly awaited lecture he was due to give in Sheffield in January 1848.

Also included is a portrait of Emerson, published in ‘The Graphic’ newspaper in 1874.

Sheffield Independent – Saturday 08 January 1848

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000181/18480108/021/0006

The Graphic – Saturday 12 September 1874

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000057/18740912/027/0017