
A determined writer finds himself at the centre of a startling legal battle when his outspoken criticisms of religion land him in court for blasphemy—a charge that had lain dormant for decades. The opening chapters trace the mounting tension as authorities summon him, the public’s mixed reactions, and the stark contrast between his quiet conviction and the fervent zeal of his accusers. Through vivid courtroom scenes, the narrative captures the uneasy atmosphere of Victorian England, where the very notion of free thought is tested against lingering moral strictures.
Once convicted, he is transferred to the notorious Holloway Gaol, where daily life among hardened inmates offers a stark backdrop for his reflections. He records the routines, the camaraderie, and the lingering hope that his ordeal might illuminate the fragile state of religious liberty. The memoir balances personal endurance with a broader commentary on how outdated laws can resurface, making his story a compelling window into a society wrestling with the limits of tolerance.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (376K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Freethought Archives, and David Widger
Release date
2004-12-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1850–1915
A fierce Victorian freethinker, journalist, and campaigner for secularism, he became one of the best-known critics of organized religion in late 19th-century Britain. His writing mixed argument, satire, and a clear determination to defend free speech.
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