Literary and Social Essays : Kessinger Publishing : 9781419130649 : 1419130641 : 17 Jun 2004 : Literary and Social Essays is a collection of essays written by George William Curtis, an American writer, editor, and public speaker, during the 19th century. The book is a compilation of his literary and social essays that reflect his views on various topics such as literature, politics, society, and culture.The book is divided into two parts. The first part comprises literary essays where Curtis discusses the works of various writers such as Shakespeare, Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne. He analyzes their writing styles, themes, and messages, and provides his own interpretations and critiques.The second part of the book consists of social essays where Curtis expresses his opinions on various social issues such as slavery, women's rights, education, and democracy. He argues for the importance of social justice and equality, and advocates for the betterment of society through education and po