The Philosopher of Free Religion: Francis Ellingwood Abbot, 1836-1903: 133 (American University Studies, Series 5: Philosophy) - Tapa dura

-Professor Peden has marked out the work of an important, if overlooked, contributor to American philosophy. He captures not only the uniqueness of Abbot's religious thinking but the importance to American philosophy of Abbot's assessment of the meeting of religion and science. Anyone interested in American philosophy of religion will find this a valuable book to have.- (Douglas R. Anderson, The Pennsylvania State University)
-To understand nineteenth century liberals, one must know Abbot. Creighton Peden has given us the means to do so. We get Abbot whole - his distinctive philosophy and his distressed life.- (Thomas E. Graham, University of Winnipeg)
-This is a thorough philosophical and biographical study of a lesser known participant in the late nineteenth century 'flowering of American philosophy'. It challenges a common view of F.E. Abbot as an isolated and idiosyncratic figure, an unemployed philosopher and failed minister constantly involved in controversy.- (Marvin C. Shaw, Montana State University)"

"The Philosopher of Free Religion" presents an intellectual biography of Francis E. Abbot (1836-1903). Abbot was a radical figure in the American free thought tradition. Chapters alternate between biographical periods and the philosophical and theological thought of each period. In the conclusion, an evaluation is presented of Abbot's contributions as a philosopher and member of the Metaphysical Club, in social philosophy, and in serving as the prophet of Free Religion.