
author
1887–1960
A literary-minded early Bahá’í leader, he brought a poet’s voice and an organizer’s discipline to his writing and public service. His work helped shape conversations about religion, unity, and the growing Bahá’í community in the first half of the twentieth century.

by Horace Holley
Born in Torrington, Connecticut, in 1887, Horace Holley was an American writer, editor, and prominent member of the Bahá’í Faith. He studied at Williams College and was known not only for his religious service but also for his broader literary interests, which included poetry and essays.
Holley became especially influential through his long service to the Bahá’í community in the United States and beyond. He later served as a Hand of the Cause and, after the death of Shoghi Effendi, was one of the Custodians who helped guide the faith during a crucial transition.
For readers, Holley stands out as a figure who joined reflective, idealistic writing with practical leadership. His books and essays often return to large themes—human unity, spiritual purpose, and the role of religion in modern life—making him an interesting voice for anyone drawn to devotional or philosophical nonfiction.