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A Singular Life
Set in 19th century Massachusetts, Emanuel Bayard feels unsure about his studies at the local seminary. Though he is very devout to God, Emanuel feels he is called to do more for his community. However, some of the rules and leaders of the church are more conservative in their practices, disagreeing with Emanuel’s liberal and judgment-free approach. Among these people is the daughter of Emanuel’s theology professor, Helen. Yet, unlike others in the church, Helen accepts this difference, possibly persuaded by the attraction between she and Emanuel. After leaving the orthodox church, Emanuel begins to perform humanitarian acts inspired by the teachings and behavior of Jesus Christ. When these pursuits lead to the meeting of a local prostitute, Emanuel finds himself especially dedicated to her struggle. Magdalena, or Lena for short, is a beautiful woman and talented singer, forced to prostitution to make ends meet. She and Emanuel begin a friendship as he tries to help her find a better profession. Though Emanuel’s only intention is to better the community, improving one life at a time, not all are happy with Emanuel’s work, leading to conflict, surprising action, and an event that unsettles the whole town. First published one-hundred and twenty-five years ago in 1895, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps’ A Singular Life is a best-selling novel, offering a new perspective on the meaning of Christianity. With the use of religious philosophy, metaphor, and impactful prose, A Singular Life is a powerful narrative that promotes compassion and acceptance. While these elements encourage critical thought and provide insight, A Singular Life also entertains with its compelling drama, tender romance, and memorable characters. Invoking a whirlwind of emotion, A Singular Life challenges beliefs, offers immense comfort, and depicts characters that demand affection. This edition of A Singular Life by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps features an eye-catching new cover design and is presented in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition is accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences, restoring A Singular Life to modern standards while preserving the original intelligence and impact of Elizabeth Stuart Phelps’ work.
- GenresFiction
256 pages, Hardcover
Published February 15, 2022
About the author
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward
137 books24 followersElizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward, born Mary Gray Phelps, was an American author.
She was born at Andover, Massachusetts. In most of her writings she used her mother's name "Elizabeth Stuart Phelps" as a pseudonym, both before and after her marriage in 1888 to Herbert Dickinson Ward, a journalist seventeen years younger. She also used the pseudonym Mary Adams. Her father Austin Phelps was pastor of the Pine Street Congregational Church until 1848, when he accepted a position as the Chair of Rhetoric at Andover Theological Seminary and moved the family to Boston.
Ward wrote three Spiritualist novels, The Gates Ajar, Between the Gates and Beyond the Gates, and a novella about animal rights, Loveliness. While writing other popular stories, she was also a great advocate, by lecturing and otherwise, for social reform, temperance, and the emancipation of women. She was also involved in clothing reform for women, urging them to burn their corsets in 1874.
Ward's mother, Elizabeth (Wooster) Stuart Phelps, (August 13, 1815—November 30, 1852) wrote the Kitty Brown books under the pen name H. Trusta.
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps and her husband co-authored two Biblical romances in 1890 and 1891. Her autobiography, Chapters from a Life was published in 1896 after being serialized in McClure's. She also wrote a large number of essays for Harper's
Phelps continued to write short stories and novels into the twentieth century. One work, Trixy (1904), dealt with another cause she supported, anti-vivisection (a topic on which she also addressed the Massachusetts State Legislature). Her last work, Comrades (1911), was published posthumously. Phelps died January 28, 1911, in Newton Center, Massachusetts.
She was born at Andover, Massachusetts. In most of her writings she used her mother's name "Elizabeth Stuart Phelps" as a pseudonym, both before and after her marriage in 1888 to Herbert Dickinson Ward, a journalist seventeen years younger. She also used the pseudonym Mary Adams. Her father Austin Phelps was pastor of the Pine Street Congregational Church until 1848, when he accepted a position as the Chair of Rhetoric at Andover Theological Seminary and moved the family to Boston.
Ward wrote three Spiritualist novels, The Gates Ajar, Between the Gates and Beyond the Gates, and a novella about animal rights, Loveliness. While writing other popular stories, she was also a great advocate, by lecturing and otherwise, for social reform, temperance, and the emancipation of women. She was also involved in clothing reform for women, urging them to burn their corsets in 1874.
Ward's mother, Elizabeth (Wooster) Stuart Phelps, (August 13, 1815—November 30, 1852) wrote the Kitty Brown books under the pen name H. Trusta.
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps and her husband co-authored two Biblical romances in 1890 and 1891. Her autobiography, Chapters from a Life was published in 1896 after being serialized in McClure's. She also wrote a large number of essays for Harper's
Phelps continued to write short stories and novels into the twentieth century. One work, Trixy (1904), dealt with another cause she supported, anti-vivisection (a topic on which she also addressed the Massachusetts State Legislature). Her last work, Comrades (1911), was published posthumously. Phelps died January 28, 1911, in Newton Center, Massachusetts.
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Did Not Finish
April 3, 2023I wanted to read this book because it was one Grace Livingston Hill loved and I really wanted to read it. I just found myself not interested in the story. It feel a little like In His Steps. I just finally gave up because I wasn't enjoything the book and I have a lot of things I want to read.
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