Excerpt from Reminiscences of Charles Bradlaugh When I came to London, in January, 1868, I was eighteen years of age. I had plenty of health and very little religion. While in my native town of Plymouth I had read and thought for myself, and had gradually passed through various stages of scepticism, until I was dissatisfied even with the advanced Unitarianism of a preacher like the Rev. J. K. Applebee. But I could not find any literature in advance of his position, and there was no one of whom I could inquire. Secularism and Atheism I had never heard of in any definite way, although I remember, when a little. Boy, having an Atheist pointed out to me in the street. Naturally I regarded him as a terrible monster. I did not know what Atheism was except in a very vague way; but I inferred from the tones, expressions, and gestures of those who pointed him out to me, that an Atheist was a devil in human form. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

When I came to London, in January, 1868, I was eighteen years of age. I had plenty of health and very little religion. While in my native town of Plymouth I had read and thought for myself, and had gradually passed through various stages of scepticism, until I was dissatisfied even with the advanced Unitarianism of a preacher like the Rev. J. K. Applebee. But I could not find any literature in advance of his position, and there was no one of whom I could inquire. Secularism and Atheism I had never heard of in any definite way, although I remember, when a little boy, having an Atheist pointed out to me in the street, Naturally I regarded him as a terrible monster. I did not know what Atheism was except in a very vague way; but I inferred from the tones, expressions, and gestures of those who pointed him out to me, that an Atheist was a devil in human form.

The Routledge Handbook of Victorian Scandals in Literature and Culture exposes, explores, and examines what Victorians once considered flagrant breaches of decorum. Infringements that were fantasized through artforms or were actually committed exceeded entertaining parlor gossip; once in print they were condemned as socially contaminative but were also consumed as delightfully sensational. Written by scholars in diverse disciplines, this volume: Demonstrates that spreading scandals seemed to have been one of the most entertaining sources of activities but were also normative efforts made by the Victorians to ensure conformity of decorum. Provides a broad spectrum of infractions that were considered scandalous to the Victorians. Identifies Victorian transgressions that made the news and that may still shock modern readers. Covers a gamut of moral infractions and transgressions either practiced, rumored, or fantasized in art forms. This handbook is an invaluable resource about Victorian literature, art, and culture which challenges its readers to ponder perplexing questions about how and why some scandals were perpetrated and propagated in the nineteenth century while others were not, and what the controversies reveal about the human condition that persists beyond Victoria’s reign of propriety.

In 'Prisoner for Blasphemy', G. W. Foote delivers a scathing critique of religious orthodoxy and censorship through his powerful prose. Written in the late 19th century, the book is a seminal work of freethought literature that challenges the prevailing dogmas of the time. Foote's bold and confrontational style reflects the author's commitment to rationalism and freedom of expression, making this book a rallying cry for those who value intellectual liberty. The narrative follows the protagonist as he faces persecution for daring to question religious beliefs, shedding light on the oppressive nature of religious institutions. The book's themes of defiance and resistance resonate with readers across generations, making it a timeless and thought-provoking read. G. W. Foote, a prominent figure in the secularist movement of his time, drew on his own experiences with censorship and persecution to craft this groundbreaking work. His background as a journalist and activist informs the book's fiery rhetoric and unapologetic skepticism towards religious authority. I recommend 'Prisoner for Blasphemy' to any reader interested in the history of free thought or the ongoing struggle for intellectual freedom.

In 'Salvation Syrup; Or, Light On Darkest England' by G. W. Foote, the reader is taken on a journey through the often harsh realities of 19th-century England, shedding light on the darker aspects of society. The book utilizes a satirical and critical tone to address social issues such as poverty, inequality, and the oppressive nature of organized religion. Foote's writing style is sharp, witty, and unapologetically honest, providing a unique perspective on the time period. This work can be considered a social commentary that challenges the status quo and calls for reform. It is a thought-provoking read that offers valuable insights into the complexities of Victorian society. G. W. Foote, a prominent freethinker and journalist, was known for his radical views and outspoken criticism of religious and societal norms. His experiences and beliefs likely fueled his passion for writing 'Salvation Syrup; Or, Light On Darkest England', as he sought to expose the flaws and hypocrisies of his time. Foote's fearless approach to addressing taboo subjects made him a controversial figure in literary circles. I highly recommend 'Salvation Syrup; Or, Light On Darkest England' to readers interested in exploring the social and political landscape of Victorian England through a critical lens. Foote's sharp wit and insightful commentary make this book a valuable addition to any collection on 19th-century literature and social history.