The Great Agnostic: Robert Ingersoll and American Freethought
by Susan Jacoby
Susan Jacoby's The Great Agnostic offers a compelling portrait of Robert Ingersoll, the era's leading voice for freethought. It explores his oratory prowess and advocacy for reason over dogma, revealing his profound influence on American secularism and public life in the post-Civil War years.
About This Book
The Great Agnostic delves into the life of Robert Ingersoll, a prominent advocate for freethought in nineteenth-century America. As a lecturer and orator, Ingersoll influenced public discourse on religion, science, and civil liberties.
Susan Jacoby examines Ingersoll's contributions to the freethought movement, highlighting his efforts to promote rational inquiry and secular values in a deeply religious society.
The book traces Ingersoll's career from his early legal practice to his widespread lectures that drew thousands, shaping American intellectual history.
Through archival research, Jacoby portrays Ingersoll's enduring impact on debates over church and state, education, and individual freedom.
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