Young (French language, literature, and culture; U. of Missouri-Rolla) examines some of the affinities between American Transcendentalist poet Emerson (1803-82) and French Romantic novelist
Hugo (1802-85). Both writers, she says, try to transcend the conscious thinking mind to explore, experience, and possibly create a reality or realm that goes beyond anything people can touch or
know with their everyday conscious minds. She anchors her treatment on their written works, but also includes biographical information that she thinks might offer some important insights into
the factors underlying the writing of the works. The text is double spaced. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
