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Annie Besant: An Autobiography
This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.
248 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1893
About the author
Annie Besant
1,989 books159 followersNoted British reformer Annie Wood Besant vigorously supported socialism, birth control, trade unionism, and rights of women; the cause of independence interested her through her involvement with the theosophical society, and she moved and founded the home rule league in 1916 and served as president of the Indian national congress in 1917.
This prominent activist and orator wrote of Irish.
She, aged 20 years in 1867, married Frank Besant but separated over religious differences.
Once free of Frank Besant and exposed to new currents of thought, she began to question her long-held religious beliefs and the whole of conventional thinking. She began to write attacks on the way of the churches in lives of people. In particular, she attacked the status of the Church of England as a state-sponsored faith.
She quickly wrote a column for the National Reformer, the newspaper of the national secular society, to earn a small weekly wage. The society stood for a secular state and an end to the special status of Christianity and allowed her to act of its public speakers. Very popular public lectures entertained in Queen Victorian times. People quickly greatly demanded Besant, a brilliant speaker. Using the railway, she crisscrossed the country, spoke on all of the most important issues of the day, and always demanded improvement and freedom.
For many years, Besant befriended Charles Bradlaugh, leader of the national secular society. Bradlaugh, a former soldier, long separated from his wife; Besant lived with him and his daughters, and they worked together on many issues. He, an atheist and a republican, also tried to get elected as member of Parliament for Northampton.
She then prominently spoke for the national secular society, wrote, and closely befriended Charles Bradlaugh. In 1877, people prosecuted her and Bradlaugh for publishing a book of campaigner Charles Knowlton.
Besant and Bradlaugh, household names in 1877, then published a book of the American campaigner Charles Knowlton. It claimed that never happy working-class families ably decided not want of children. It suggested ways to limit the size of their families.
The scandal made them famous, and people elected Bradlaugh as member of Parliament for Northampton in 1880.
Actions included the bloody Sunday demonstration and the match girls strike of London of 1888. She led speakers for the Fabian society and the social democratic federation of Marxists. She topped the poll and won election to the school board of London for Tower Hamlets, topping the poll even despite few qualified female voters at that time.
In 1890, Besant met Helena Blavatsky, and over the next few years, secular matters waned. She joined as a member and a prominent lecturer on the subject. As part of her related work, she traveled. In 1898, she helped to establish the central Hindu college.
In 1902, she established le Droit Humain, the first overseas lodge of the international order of co-freemasonry. Over the next few years, she established lodges in many parts of the empire. In 1907, she led at international headquarters in Adyar, Madras (Chennai).
She also joined politics. When World War I broke in 1914, she helped to launch to campaign for democracy and dominion status within the empire. This led to her election in late 1917. After the war, she continued to campaign.
In 1922, she helped establish the Hyderabad (Sind) national collegiate board in Mumbai.
She fought, starting with freedom of thought, Fabians, and workers as a leading member of the national secular society alongside Charles Bradlaugh.
She continued to campaign until her death.
This prominent activist and orator wrote of Irish.
She, aged 20 years in 1867, married Frank Besant but separated over religious differences.
Once free of Frank Besant and exposed to new currents of thought, she began to question her long-held religious beliefs and the whole of conventional thinking. She began to write attacks on the way of the churches in lives of people. In particular, she attacked the status of the Church of England as a state-sponsored faith.
She quickly wrote a column for the National Reformer, the newspaper of the national secular society, to earn a small weekly wage. The society stood for a secular state and an end to the special status of Christianity and allowed her to act of its public speakers. Very popular public lectures entertained in Queen Victorian times. People quickly greatly demanded Besant, a brilliant speaker. Using the railway, she crisscrossed the country, spoke on all of the most important issues of the day, and always demanded improvement and freedom.
For many years, Besant befriended Charles Bradlaugh, leader of the national secular society. Bradlaugh, a former soldier, long separated from his wife; Besant lived with him and his daughters, and they worked together on many issues. He, an atheist and a republican, also tried to get elected as member of Parliament for Northampton.
She then prominently spoke for the national secular society, wrote, and closely befriended Charles Bradlaugh. In 1877, people prosecuted her and Bradlaugh for publishing a book of campaigner Charles Knowlton.
Besant and Bradlaugh, household names in 1877, then published a book of the American campaigner Charles Knowlton. It claimed that never happy working-class families ably decided not want of children. It suggested ways to limit the size of their families.
The scandal made them famous, and people elected Bradlaugh as member of Parliament for Northampton in 1880.
Actions included the bloody Sunday demonstration and the match girls strike of London of 1888. She led speakers for the Fabian society and the social democratic federation of Marxists. She topped the poll and won election to the school board of London for Tower Hamlets, topping the poll even despite few qualified female voters at that time.
In 1890, Besant met Helena Blavatsky, and over the next few years, secular matters waned. She joined as a member and a prominent lecturer on the subject. As part of her related work, she traveled. In 1898, she helped to establish the central Hindu college.
In 1902, she established le Droit Humain, the first overseas lodge of the international order of co-freemasonry. Over the next few years, she established lodges in many parts of the empire. In 1907, she led at international headquarters in Adyar, Madras (Chennai).
She also joined politics. When World War I broke in 1914, she helped to launch to campaign for democracy and dominion status within the empire. This led to her election in late 1917. After the war, she continued to campaign.
In 1922, she helped establish the Hyderabad (Sind) national collegiate board in Mumbai.
She fought, starting with freedom of thought, Fabians, and workers as a leading member of the national secular society alongside Charles Bradlaugh.
She continued to campaign until her death.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 6, 2013
The autobiography offers little to no insight into Besant's leap from activism and the firm belief in societal progress by reforms that redistributed power (from industrialist to worker, from clergy to the sceptic, from double standards to acceptance of e.g. Birth control etc) to her latter surrender to the esoteric mumbo jumbo theosophical teachings of HP Blavatsky;
I think I detect a weariness of the cynicism that her political life must have caused Besant, and the times being what they were, theosophy probably offered to her a hopeful reinstallment of some kind of belief in humanity as not a mere evolutionary chance, but something with a purpose. I quite like the book without Besant's explaining why she was so mesmerized by Blavatsky; complex humans will always embark on unexpected trails, and for Besant this is what she chose as a calling, as did sir Arthur Conan Doyle . The world may have been worse off for the loss of her social struggle; she was probably happier for it.
I think I detect a weariness of the cynicism that her political life must have caused Besant, and the times being what they were, theosophy probably offered to her a hopeful reinstallment of some kind of belief in humanity as not a mere evolutionary chance, but something with a purpose. I quite like the book without Besant's explaining why she was so mesmerized by Blavatsky; complex humans will always embark on unexpected trails, and for Besant this is what she chose as a calling, as did sir Arthur Conan Doyle . The world may have been worse off for the loss of her social struggle; she was probably happier for it.
September 28, 2015
I loved this book!
Annie Besant lived a passionate life: passionate about truth, justice, compassion, and loyalty. Her descriptions of a sheltered girlhood, traumatic transition to married life, spiritual passages from devotion to atheism and then to Theosophy, commitment to education, service, and idealism, and lively involvement with the spiritual and political issues of her day make for exciting, inspiring reading.
Personally, I have never before read an account of the journey of devotion through existential crisis, principled atheism (although her stance today would probably be labeled agnosticism), and then to a new, deeper spirituality, that so closely resembled my own experience.
Besant was absolutely committed to truth -- and she was always willing to let go of old opinions when she learned something new. Beyond that, she was willing to go to jail, lose custody of her daughter, lose friends, and be reviled by society as a consequence of her unpopular but steadfast commitments.
I think she is a role model for intellectual and spiritual engagement, courage, and integrity, and it's a shame more people don't know about her life and writings.
Annie Besant lived a passionate life: passionate about truth, justice, compassion, and loyalty. Her descriptions of a sheltered girlhood, traumatic transition to married life, spiritual passages from devotion to atheism and then to Theosophy, commitment to education, service, and idealism, and lively involvement with the spiritual and political issues of her day make for exciting, inspiring reading.
Personally, I have never before read an account of the journey of devotion through existential crisis, principled atheism (although her stance today would probably be labeled agnosticism), and then to a new, deeper spirituality, that so closely resembled my own experience.
Besant was absolutely committed to truth -- and she was always willing to let go of old opinions when she learned something new. Beyond that, she was willing to go to jail, lose custody of her daughter, lose friends, and be reviled by society as a consequence of her unpopular but steadfast commitments.
I think she is a role model for intellectual and spiritual engagement, courage, and integrity, and it's a shame more people don't know about her life and writings.
September 21, 2014
Annie Besant, a female disciple who puts Theosophical theory to work, a way to practice, after receiving teachings from "Master" H.P. Blavatsky, wrote about her life, and her life-changing events; from a girl overly protected by her mother, struggling through hardened life after loss of her child and divorce, somewhat ironically, from a clergy spouse, to the first-hand experience of the poor through atheist devotion to socialistic cause and continuous struggle in court trials, defending freedom of belief and speech, to final conviction in Theosophy, a system of philosophy that God is universal and one in Being. Theosophist is, thus, "one who claims to have a knowledge of God, or of the laws of nature by means of internal illumination." And Mrs. Besant further explains, "An Atheist certainly cannot be a Theosophist. A Deist might be a Theosophist. A Monist cannot be a Theosophist. Theosophy must at least involve Dualism."
There are not many touches on Theosophy per se in the book as one would have expected or look for internal explanations from Mrs. Besant, which would have required reflections of complicated contemplations anyway, other than the first meeting with HP Blavatsky in her residence in London in the very last chapter. Rather, the socialistic struggle along with her Atheist and political partner Charles Bradlaugh receives a lot of coverage in several chapters. This might be a let down but then perhaps it can't be told in passages at length enough in a book such as autobiography.
Mrs. Besant wanted, as she claimed, to throw light on some of the typical problems that are vesing the souls of man's contemporaries in troublous times, stretch out a helping hand to some brother who is struggling in the darkness, and so bring him cheer when despair has him in its grip. This, if you observe, is a matter of humility to mankind, of wisdom sinking into vortex of universe, of service to humanity, that is still needed as much as in the past.
There are not many touches on Theosophy per se in the book as one would have expected or look for internal explanations from Mrs. Besant, which would have required reflections of complicated contemplations anyway, other than the first meeting with HP Blavatsky in her residence in London in the very last chapter. Rather, the socialistic struggle along with her Atheist and political partner Charles Bradlaugh receives a lot of coverage in several chapters. This might be a let down but then perhaps it can't be told in passages at length enough in a book such as autobiography.
Mrs. Besant wanted, as she claimed, to throw light on some of the typical problems that are vesing the souls of man's contemporaries in troublous times, stretch out a helping hand to some brother who is struggling in the darkness, and so bring him cheer when despair has him in its grip. This, if you observe, is a matter of humility to mankind, of wisdom sinking into vortex of universe, of service to humanity, that is still needed as much as in the past.
January 11, 2022
Great to find an account on of Annie Besant's life. As someone involved in family law reform, legalising atheism, campaigning for birth control, socialism, the Bryant and May match girls strike and Theosophy, it's remiss that there isn't a current biography.
As with the best autobiographies, it's great to hear her actual voice unmediated, yet it would be good to read something less subjective. Having said that, she's more than averagely objective about herself and opinions, particularly describing her Christianity having become an atheist and her atheist views, having become a theosophist. Converts of all stripes could benefit from reading Besant's measured approach to her former selves.
I wish she hadn't embraced theosophy so wholeheartedly but hers is a life lived to the full and should be better known.
As with the best autobiographies, it's great to hear her actual voice unmediated, yet it would be good to read something less subjective. Having said that, she's more than averagely objective about herself and opinions, particularly describing her Christianity having become an atheist and her atheist views, having become a theosophist. Converts of all stripes could benefit from reading Besant's measured approach to her former selves.
I wish she hadn't embraced theosophy so wholeheartedly but hers is a life lived to the full and should be better known.
October 7, 2018
Annie Besant: An Autobiography- Important milestones- her divorce with Mr Besant who was Christian preacher because of his ill treating his wife and for no respect for women including his wife. Struggle of a lone woman, bringing up her daughter. About knowing what is a Non- believer in old traditions of Christianity and Christianity, Charles Bradlaugh 's support, Atheism, writing in a magazine regularly about Socialism, Blavatsky, struggle for election to parliament, spread of socialism and acceptance by people at large and round the world. I started reading this Book in the hope that it would contain a few chapters on her work in India but the book ends up before she moved to India. Still the part of struggle of a woman is worth reading.
September 30, 2023
If you have enjoyed reading some of Annie Besant's many books, her autobiography will be especially interesting. Mrs. Besant went through many changes in her life and her struggles are written about. From Christian to atheist to Theosophist, she sought Truth above all else. Also in her autobiography are political battles of her time, neo-Malthusianism, Socialism, and freedom for India. She was definitely a remarkable woman.
April 25, 2026
Lovely read, I love the musical way she writes, but I would have preferred less politics -which takes almost half of the book- and more esoteric content, which appears only in a few pages toward the end and remains rather on the surface. 😊
Want to Read
August 9, 2020This is very inspiring book .I still loving this autobiography
January 25, 2023
Interesting, slightly dry and slightly confusing in places but the admiration that has to be felt for the power and courage of Besant make this an interesting read.
March 7, 2024
Found and listened to on youtube
March 1, 2016
Annie Wood Besant was a deeply spiritual woman. In her happy childhood and girlhood this took the form of a deep religiousness, in her unhappy marriage it turned away from Christianity and in later life towards a more philosophical, meditative form in Theosophy. Her social conscience was awakened early and evolved from doing good works to understanding that 'the poor' were the working-bees, the wealth producers, with a right to self-rule not to looking after, with a right to justice, not to charity (quoted from a 'poor man's lawyer'). This social consciousness and her campaigns to improve conditions for the majority never wavered through her changes in belief, nor did her search for truth.
This autobiography is not so much about what she did a what she thought, felt and believed. All her actions were clearly guided by this and, whether one agrees with all her views or not, it is easy to see how she came to them. There are times when her writing would have benefited from judicious editing, quoting other people's speeches at length for example adds little to the understanding of her, but on the whole she explains herself well.
At the time she wrote this autobiography the enfranchisement of the majority of the population (both men and women), the home rule bills for Ireland and India, the emancipation of women and many of the causes she espoused were in the future. She lived to see most of them and she helped raise the debate on all of them. She was a remarkable woman.
Some readers might find a more factual biography easier to follow than this intellectual journey. This would make an excellent companion to it, explaining why she she believed and acted as she did.
This autobiography is not so much about what she did a what she thought, felt and believed. All her actions were clearly guided by this and, whether one agrees with all her views or not, it is easy to see how she came to them. There are times when her writing would have benefited from judicious editing, quoting other people's speeches at length for example adds little to the understanding of her, but on the whole she explains herself well.
At the time she wrote this autobiography the enfranchisement of the majority of the population (both men and women), the home rule bills for Ireland and India, the emancipation of women and many of the causes she espoused were in the future. She lived to see most of them and she helped raise the debate on all of them. She was a remarkable woman.
Some readers might find a more factual biography easier to follow than this intellectual journey. This would make an excellent companion to it, explaining why she she believed and acted as she did.
July 2, 2021
I have the utmost respect for Annie. I consider myself to be an athiest-agnostic most of the times. I have struggled with defining or choosing just one path when it comes to religion. I don't think I should have to do so, but my saying god is and isn't, is hypocritical. It's not like I share these opinions with literally anyone. But then again, I am a very conflicting person. So I get it, and that's enough.
To move on to what Annie has expressed:- I think she poses her very well thought out arguments in such a way that someone who doesn't hold the same beliefs as her shouldn't feel offended. Further, Annie redefines Athiesm, even for me.
Learning about her contributions and the stands she took made me kinda emotional. Wish she had more support.
To move on to what Annie has expressed:- I think she poses her very well thought out arguments in such a way that someone who doesn't hold the same beliefs as her shouldn't feel offended. Further, Annie redefines Athiesm, even for me.
Learning about her contributions and the stands she took made me kinda emotional. Wish she had more support.
January 5, 2013
Annie Besant is a pretty badass heretic. She's eccentric and apparently not entirely truthful about her life story, but it is inspiring to read about a woman from a deeply repressed period in England who was disowned, stigmatized, and still able to become an ardent voice for justice on behalf of the poor and unorthodox varieties of faith.
May 18, 2016
Annie Besant is an inspiration.
January 4, 2017
This book is a good inspiring one which tells us about how to tackle tough situations which we face in life.
May 17, 2015
I enjoyed this but I was amazed by her switch around to Theosophy from Atheism.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews