Hannah More

Born near Bristol in 1745, Hannah More was educated by her father, a schoolmaster, and began teaching while still young. She first won attention as a playwright and poet, and in London she became part of a celebrated circle that included Samuel Johnson, Joshua Reynolds, and David Garrick. Early works such as Percy helped establish her literary reputation.

Over time, her writing turned more strongly toward religion, ethics, and social improvement. She became especially known for accessible moral and religious works and for the hugely popular Cheap Repository Tracts, short pieces meant to reach ordinary readers. She was also active in efforts to improve education for the poor around Somerset and is frequently remembered as an abolitionist as well as a philanthropist.

More died in 1833, but her career still stands out for its range: playwright, poet, essayist, educator, and reformer. For listeners today, she offers a window into a period when literature, faith, and public action often met in the same life.