At that period a wave of interest in what was
then known as social reform swept over France and Germany and reached
our shores in Massachusetts Bay, eventually extending all through the
north and northwest, conveying new social and political ideas to
thousands of intelligent Americans. These new ideas were discussed at
the meetings of the thinking young folk above referred to, at which
meetings they also held other high debates on matters philosophic,
poetic, educational, etc. They eventually established a periodical as
their organ called _The Dial_, a publication which immediately
attracted wide attention by the admirable literary style of its articles
as well as by their originality and commanding interest. _The Dial_
had the effect of imparting greater cohesion to the company of editors,
contributors and others interested in its publication, and these
presently became known to the world as the Transcendentalists; a word
borrowed from Germany and rather too formidable for general use in our
busy country.
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