Core Figures:
* Ralph Waldo Emerson: Widely considered the leader of Transcendentalism. His essays like "Self-Reliance" and "Nature" are essential texts of the movement.
* Henry David Thoreau: A close friend of Emerson, Thoreau lived a life in accordance with Transcendentalist principles. His book "Walden" details his experiences living simply in nature, while "Civil Disobedience" explores the idea of non-violent resistance to unjust laws.
* Margaret Fuller: A writer, critic, and feminist, Fuller was a leading voice in Transcendentalism. Her book "Woman in the Nineteenth Century" advocated for the rights and intellectual capabilities of women.
Other Important Authors:
* Amos Bronson Alcott: Emerson's mentor and a key figure in the movement.
* Elizabeth Peabody: A sister of Horace Mann, Peabody was a writer, publisher, and educator who promoted Transcendentalist ideas.
* Orestes Brownson: A philosopher and writer who explored the religious and social implications of Transcendentalism.
* Theodore Parker: A Unitarian minister who was a vocal critic of slavery and advocate for social justice.
* Louisa May Alcott: Although not strictly a Transcendentalist writer, Alcott's work was influenced by the movement, particularly her novel "Little Women."
Beyond the Core:
* Nathaniel Hawthorne: While not fully a Transcendentalist, Hawthorne was influenced by the movement and often explored themes of individualism and the human condition in his writing.
* Herman Melville: Similar to Hawthorne, Melville's works engaged with themes of isolation, self-reliance, and nature, which resonated with Transcendentalist ideals.
It's important to note that Transcendentalism was not a monolithic movement. Authors within the movement had varying degrees of agreement on certain tenets and developed their own individual perspectives.