Lewis Gompertz: Philosopher, Activist, Philanthropist, Inventor - Hardcover

by Barry Kew (Author)

This first book-length story and study of philosopher, activist, inventor, and philanthropist Lewis Gompertz--co-founder of both the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1824, ousted in 1832) and the Animals' Friend Society (1832-52)--charts his struggle against likely and unlikely enemies on behalf of other species, women, the poor, apprentices, prisoners, and slaves. Outraging fearful, elitist Christians, his classic Moral Inquiries on the Situation of Man and of Brutes (1824) reveals influences, tenets, and indeed his own situation in attempting to formulate and live by a rational morality for others' benefit, defying religious and structural forces that wanted far less. Power, class, philosophy, history, education, reform, and revolution all play their part in this account of his campaigning work and works (including Fragments in Defence of Animals and The Animals' Friend periodical), exposing the racist, sectarian rhetoric and scheming he endured at a defining moment. This attritional action, by which humane progress was obstructed and for more than a century fixed, is more disturbing than has been made widely detailed until now, in this much-needed, critical introduction.

Author Biography

Barry Kew is an independent researcher/writer. He has also been a teacher, a local group co-organizer/campaigner, general secretary of the Vegan Society and editor of The Vegan, author of The Pocketbook of Animal Facts and Figures (animal use in Britain), co-author of The Animal Welfare Handbook, and founder and editor of the former Critical Society e-journal.