Glad to the Brink of Fear

A Portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson

First published 2024

What the critics said

Mostly positive. 5 of 5 critics were positive or better.

“Playful and insightful … Marcus’s passion for his subject and his understanding of what makes a successful biography mean this book is delightful for any reader”

The Washington Post · Jessica Ferri · Rave
“Marcus’s writing is lively and precise, vigorously colloquial. It is full of knowledge and affection … His portrait of Emerson, the man, is finely wrought”

The New York Times Book Review · Lawrence A. Rosenwald · Positive
“Psychologically astute … Marcus’ deeply personal interpretation illuminates an iconic prophet who discovered that seeking the meaning of life turns out to be the meaning of life.”

Booklist · Bill Kelly · Positive