Collected Works of Charles Bradlaugh (1833–1891)
This PDF collection preserves the writings of Charles Bradlaugh (1833–1891), one of Victorian Britain’s most outspoken freethinkers, reformers, and secularists. Bradlaugh rose from poverty in London to become a journalist, activist, and eventually a Member of Parliament, remembered for his struggle to affirm rather than swear religious oaths. His works combine sharp critiques of religion with passionate defenses of liberty, democracy, and free thought.
Bradlaugh’s career spanned journalism, courtroom battles, and parliamentary reform. As editor of the National Reformer, he championed secularism, republicanism, and birth control. His partnership with Annie Besant led to the famous trial over Fruits of Philosophy (1877), a landmark in reproductive rights. In Parliament, his fight for the right to affirm culminated in the Oaths Act of 1888, securing freedom of conscience for future generations.
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| Charles Bradlaugh |
Download the Collected Works of Charles Bradlaugh (PDF) — writings of the Victorian freethinker, secularist, and political reformer. Includes essays on atheism, secularism, democracy, and his famous parliamentary struggle, preserving the voice of one of Britain’s most radical thinkers.
Introduction
Charles Bradlaugh was a towering figure in Victorian radicalism, remembered as the founder of the National Secular Society and for his dramatic struggle to take his seat in Parliament as an avowed atheist. Born in Hoxton, London, in 1833, he rose from poverty to become one of the most influential freethinkers of his age.
Bradlaugh’s career combined journalism, activism, and politics.
As editor of the National Reformer, he championed secularism, republicanism, and birth control. His partnership with Annie Besant led to the famous trial over Fruits of Philosophy (1877), a landmark in reproductive rights. In Parliament, he fought for the right to affirm rather than swear religious oaths, eventually securing the Oaths Act of 1888, a lasting victory for freedom of conscience.
Bradlaugh’s writings reflect his dual role as polemicist and legislator: sharp critiques of religion, defenses of unbelief, and practical political essays. This collection preserves his voice for modern readers, showing how secularism evolved from radical dissent into a recognized civic philosophy.
Contents of the Collection
Secularism & Freethought
- Secularism – defining principles of the movement.
- Humanity’s Gain from Unbelief – argument for the moral and social benefits of atheism.
- A Plea for Atheism – concise defense of unbelief.
- Is the Bible Divine? – critical examination of scripture.
- Has Man a Soul? – rationalist critique of immortality.
Political & Social Essays
- Political Essays – reflections on democracy, reform, and liberty.
- Some Objections to Socialism – analysis of socialist theory.
- Speeches – collected addresses on secularism and reform.
- The Bible: What It Is – extended critique of biblical authority.
Trials & Autobiography
- The Queen v. Charles Bradlaugh and Annie Besant – trial documents from the Fruits of Philosophy case.
- The True Story of My Parliamentary Struggle – firsthand account of his fight to sit in Parliament.
- The Autobiography of Charles Bradlaugh – personal narrative of his life and battles.
- Reminiscences of Charles Bradlaugh – memoir by G. W. Foote, his ally in the secularist cause.
Biographical & Historical
- Five Dead Men Whom I Knew – portraits of Owen, Mazzini, Sumner, Mill, and Rollin.
- Biographies of Ancient and Modern Celebrated Freethinkers – historical sketches of secularist predecessors. As A Man Thinketh by James Allen 1913
The book contains Long books and short essays. I added all in one PDF.it is 189 MB . But contains of the existing works. Shared on archive .