Superstition and Other Essays

By Robert G. Ingersoll

Civil War veteran, successful lawyer, persuasive spokesman for the Republican Party, spellbinding orator, and controversial iconoclast, Col. Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899) was one of the best-known... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591021707
• ISBN13: 9781591021704
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 169 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Forgotten giant.

Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899) was a giant of his time. Sadly, his life and work are known to only a few today. Even the most educated among us are unlikely to have ever heard of him. Ingersoll was many things: skilled lawyer, dynamic orator, progressive Republican and proud religious agnostic. Perhaps more importantly, he was a loving husband and father and a kind and gentle man. His advice and counsel were sought by many Presidents and would be Presidents. Aside from a stint as Illinois Attorney General, he never held public office himself. His outspoken disavowal of his Christian background rendered him unelectable. Yet thousands would happily flock to hear his fiery and riveting oratory as he travelled widely expounding on a number of topics. It has been said that in the pre-phonographic era his voice was heard by more Americans than that of any other individual. This slim volume gives the reader a sampling of a few of Ingersoll's essays and speeches. Each is artfully written and together they illustrate his love of truth and beauty and his uncompromising hatred for unnecessary suffering, ignorance and hypocrisy. Perhaps the best selection is the first, entitled Why I am an Agnostic. Ingersoll was ahead of his time and now, more than 100 years after his death, it is apparent he was ahead of our time as well. I can honestly say he is the only historical figure I have wished I could have met. For a thorough introduction to the life and humanistic philosophy of Robert G. Ingersoll, I suggest reading Robert G. Ingersoll, a Life by Frank Smith.

Another Good Read From an American Great

Read this over a couple weekends during semesters. Ingersoll is a very 'fluid' author, his use of simple language helps the reader move through his texts very quickly while still retaining his message. Whether one hates his ideas or not the fact that he knows how to use the English language well cannot be diputed. Highly recommend this book.