James Allen

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Brief Bio

James Allen was a British philosophical writer known for his many inspirational books and poetry. He is also well known as an early pioneer of the self-help movement. His most popular book, As A Man Thinketh, is still in publication today and has become a source of motivation and inspiration to many people and other self-help authors.

Allen was born in Leicester, England in November 1864

Allen had many spiritual and social interests, and in 1898, he showcased his talents as a writer for the magazine The Herald of the Golden Age. James Allen entered a creative period in his life around this time, and published many of his first books, such as From Poverty to Power in 1901. In 1902, James began publishing his own spiritual magazine titled, “The Light of Reason”, later retitled “The Epoch”.

In 1903, Allen published his third and most famous book, which was loosely based on the Biblical passage of Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” James Allen soon quit his secretarial work and began to fully pursue his writing and editing career. Towards the end of 1903, The Allen family retired to the town of Ilfracombe, where James would spend the rest of his life. He continuted the publish his magazine, The Herald of the Golden Age, and would end up producing more than one book per year up until his death, in 1912.

Resources

Other Biographical Resources

Wikipedia page

WWWHubs website

New Thought Wisdom website

Books & Audiobooks

Most of Allen’s books can be found in the public domain. There are a number of book sellers who have “repackaged” them for current day sale online at fairly modest costs. Search Amazon or other booksellers to find such books for purchase. Below are links that we are aware of that provide FREE copies of Allen’s books.

Of great value is the website The James Allen Free Library which contains many of Allen’s books in English and in Dutch. However, the text is readable on the website and not easily downloaded. However, the website does have PDF downloads of some resources such as copies of The Light of Reason magazine which Allen edited and other documents discussing Allen and his life. You can also download some audiobooks on the page.

What we list below are free versions of Allen’s works that can be downloaded.

Books/E-books

Collected Works

From Poverty to Power; or, The Realization of Prosperity and Peace (1901) [Contains The Path to Prosperity and The Way of Peace.]

All These Things Added (1903) [Contains Entering the Kingdom and The Heavenly Life.]

As a Man Thinketh (1903)

Through the Gate of Good; or, Christ and Conduct (1903)

Byways to Blessedness (1904)

Out from the Heart (1904) [Sequel to “As a Man Thinketh”]

Poems of Peace, including the lyrical-dramatic poem Eolaus (1907)

The Life Triumphant: Mastering the Heart and Mind (1908)

Morning and Evening Thoughts (1909)