The Concord Quartet - nonfiction history

The Concord Quartet by Samuel Schreiner Jr. is a compelling nonfiction book I read last year. It traces the friendships of four nineteenth-century men who lived in Concord, Massachusetts: Emerson, Thoreau, Alcott, and Hawthorne. They were writers, philosophers, and laborers, as needed. It’s a treat to learn about their day-to-day life, especially when the author weaves in letters and diary entries. They faced many of the same struggles we do today, such as the challenge of pairing their skills with the job market, and the challenge of trying to live their lives in accordance with their personal principles. Emerson, Thoreau, and Alcott were outspoken abolitionists. I’ve been a fan of Mr. Alcott since I learned about his days at Fruitlands in Harvard, MA. These men could have had easier lives if they were quiet. But their consciences would not allow for that. This weekend, as we stopped to appreciate the many people throughout history (and today) who’ve been active in the US civil rights movement, I’ll give a shout out to them for the part they played in the 1800s. If you’re from Mass or interested in nineteenth-century history, definitely check out this book.