Major Works:
* "Nature" (1836) by Ralph Waldo Emerson: Considered the foundational text of Transcendentalism, it explores the relationship between humanity and nature and the importance of self-reliance and individual experience.
* "Self-Reliance" (1841) by Ralph Waldo Emerson: This essay is a cornerstone of Transcendentalist thought, advocating for individual intuition, nonconformity, and the pursuit of one's own path.
* "Walden" (1854) by Henry David Thoreau: A masterpiece of nature writing, Thoreau's account of his two years living in a cabin in the woods celebrates simplicity, self-sufficiency, and the connection to nature.
* "The Scarlet Letter" (1850) by Nathaniel Hawthorne: While not fully a Transcendentalist novel, Hawthorne's work explores themes of sin, guilt, and the individual's struggle for freedom and redemption, reflecting some of the movement's concerns.
* "Moby-Dick" (1851) by Herman Melville: Though less explicitly Transcendentalist, Melville's epic novel deals with themes of good and evil, nature's power, and the individual's confrontation with fate, which resonate with Transcendentalist ideas.
Other Notable Works:
* "The Dial" (1840-1844): A journal edited by Margaret Fuller and others that served as a platform for Transcendentalist writers and thinkers.
* "Woman in the Nineteenth Century" (1845) by Margaret Fuller: A groundbreaking feminist work exploring women's intellectual and social equality.
* "A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers" (1849) by Henry David Thoreau: A lyrical and philosophical journey through the natural world, exploring themes of nature, solitude, and the search for meaning.
* "The Blithedale Romance" (1852) by Nathaniel Hawthorne: A satirical exploration of a utopian community, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the challenges of social reform.
Beyond the Major Works:
* The writings of Bronson Alcott: A close associate of Emerson and Thoreau, Alcott contributed essays, poems, and philosophical dialogues to the Transcendentalist movement.
* The writings of Elizabeth Peabody: Peabody was a leading figure in the movement, promoting education and social reform.
* The poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier: While not strictly a Transcendentalist, Whittier's poetry often addressed themes of nature, simplicity, and social justice, reflecting some of the movement's concerns.
It is important to note that while Transcendentalism was a significant literary movement, it was not a homogenous one. Individual writers and thinkers within the movement often had different interpretations and nuances in their work. Nevertheless, these key examples offer a glimpse into the rich and diverse literary landscape of Transcendentalism.