Famous American Statesmen, published in 1888, is a collection of 10 biographical sketches of America's most famous statesmen. With the great, one's thoughts and manners easily become great; ... what this country longs for is personalities, grand persons, to counteract its materialities," says Emerson. Such lives as are sketched in this book are a constant inspiration, both to young and old. They teach patriotism -- deeper love for and devotion to America. They teach that life, with some definite and noble purpose, is worth living.