James Allen (1864 - 1912) was an early, and prolific, philosophical author in the inspirational or self-help genre.  Over his nine year career as an author, he produced a total of 19 books, including the well known “As A Man Thinketh”.

After his father was robbed and murdered, James Allen was forced to leave school at the age of 15 in order to work full-time to help support his family.  Initially working in several manufacturing firms, he advanced upward to the position of executive secretary for a large British company and married Lily L. Allen.  He continued in the workforce to age 38 at which time, inspired by the works of Leo Tolstoy, he moved with his wife to a small cottage in Ilfracombe, Devon and commenced his career as a author.  His writings are based on, and reflect, a simple life of contemplation. In addition to producing his many books, he edited and published the magazine “The Light of Reason”.

After his death in 1912, his wife (Lily) continued publishing the magazine under the name “The Epoch”, as well as releasing several additional books and a compilation of meditations derived from his earlier works.

His books are inspirational, generally advocating an evolution of self (Mind, Body and Spirit) through a conscious process self-improvement as one moves progressively toward enlightenment. As such, his books have provided inspiration to generations of readers and are experiencing a recent renaissance of interest.

As with many authors of the late nineteenth to early twentieth century, he makes reference to “Natural Laws” guiding our lives, both physically (as documented by science), mentally (as was being initially proposed during this time) and spiritually (by analogy with physical laws). Subsequent research has confirmed the power of the mind for self-healing and self-improvement and will be of little surprise to the well versed student of the mind. However, Natural Laws governing our spiritual nature were proposed, discussed and advocated on an empirical basis, by analogy with physical laws.

The most familiar of these Natural Laws is the “Law of Attraction”, to which Allen makes reference in several of his books.  While James Allen incorporates discussion of these “Laws” in some of his books, his emphasis is on the many and diverse human characteristics that serve to strengthen or weaken our natures, how to recognize and reinforce those that strengthen our natures while eliminating those that weaken our natures. As such, students may find his texts more palatable and applicable, recognizing the characteristics he discusses in themselves rather than more esoteric and elusive Natural Laws.

“Allen’s books illustrate the use of the power of thought to increase personal capabilities. Although he never achieved great fame or wealth, his works continue to influence people around the world, including the New Thought movement” (Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/James_Allen).