author
John Stewart
1749–1822
A restless traveler and original thinker, he became famous as “Walking Stewart,” wandering across continents and turning those journeys into bold, unusual books. His writing blends travel, philosophy, and social criticism in a voice that still feels strikingly independent.
1 Audiobook
A Short View of the Laws Now Subsisting with Respect to the Powers of the East India Company To Borrow Money under their Seal, and to Incur Debts in the Course of their Trade, by the Purchase of Goods on Credit, and by Freighting Ships or other Mercantile Transactions
by William Pulteney, John Stewart
About the author
Born in London in 1749, John Stewart was an English traveler, philosopher, and writer best known by the nickname “Walking Stewart.” Early in life he went out to India with the East India Company, and later became known for extraordinary years of wandering that helped build his legend.
Stewart wrote in a highly individual style, mixing reflections on nature, society, politics, and human life. Among the works associated with him are The Apocalypse of Nature and The Moral State of Nations, and his reputation has lasted as much for his eccentric, wide-ranging mind as for any single book.
He died in 1822. Although he was never a conventional literary figure, Stewart has remained a memorable character in British intellectual history: part adventurer, part philosopher, and very much his own person.