Annie Besant
An Autobiography

This 1893 autobiography of a controversial radical who challenged Victorian ideologies covers the first half of her life.

Annie Wood Besant (Author)

9781108027311, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 March 2011

396 pages, 13 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.2 cm, 0.5 kg

When Annie Besant (1847–1933) wrote in her 1893 Autobiography that her life was 'much attacked and slandered' she was only 45 years old, and many more controversies were yet to come. In this book, Besant charts her dramatic political and ethical awakenings, up to the point where she joined the Theosophical movement. She describes how she was unhappily married to a clergyman, contemplated suicide, embraced atheism, and legally separated from her husband. She recounts how she became a prolific writer and public speaker, joined the National Secular Society, was involved in the highly controversial publication of a birth control leaflet, and engaged in activism for workers' rights and home rule for Ireland. She also reflects on her own ideology and spirituality. Besant did much to shock and challenge Victorian society, and this book vividly portrays her struggles and successes.

Preface
1. 'Out of the everywhere into the here'
2. Early childhood
3. Girlhood
4. Marriage
5. The storm of doubt
6. Charles Bradlaugh
7. Atheism as I knew and taught it
8. At work
9. The Knowlton pamphlet
10. At war all round
11. Mr. Bradlaugh's struggle
12. Still fighting
13. Socialism
14. Through storm to peace
List of books quoted
Index.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]