Joseph McCabe

Born in 1867 in England, he briefly joined the Franciscan order and was ordained as a Catholic priest before leaving the church. After that, he became one of the best-known freethought writers of his day, building a long career as a lecturer, journalist, and popular author.

He wrote on an unusually wide range of subjects, including religion, science, history, evolution, ethics, and politics. He was also an active translator, helping introduce English-language readers to major continental thinkers and scientific writers.

McCabe died in 1955, but his work still stands out for its energy and range. Readers who enjoy outspoken, idea-driven nonfiction may find him especially interesting as a window into the religious and intellectual arguments of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.