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Our Epoch

James Allen (November 28, 1864–1912), born in Leicester, England, was a British philosophical writer known for his inspirational books and poetry and as a pioneer of the self-help movement. His best known work, As a Man Thinketh, has been mass produced since its publication in 1903. It has been a source of inspiration to motivational and self-help authors.

In 1898, Allen found an occupation in which he could showcase his spiritual and social interests as a writer for the magazine The Herald of the Golden Age. At this time, Allen entered a creative period where he then published his first book of many books, From Poverty to Power (1901). In 1902, Allen began to publish his own spiritual magazine, The Light of Reason, later retitled The Epoch.

In 1903, Allen published his third and most famous book As a Man Thinketh. Loosely based on the biblical proverb, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," the small work eventually became read around the world and brought Allen posthumous fame as one of the pioneering figures of modern inspirational thought.

Following his death in 1912, his wife continued publishing the magazine under the name The Epoch. Lily Allen summarized her husband's literary mission in the preface to one of his posthumously published manuscripts, Foundation Stones to Happiness and Success saying:

"He never wrote theories, or for the sake of writing; but he wrote when he had a message, and it became a message only when he had lived it out in his own life, and knew that it was good. Thus he wrote facts, which he had proven by practice

·         From Poverty to Power; or, The Realization of Prosperity and Peace (1901)

·         As a Man Thinketh (1902)

·         All These Things Added (1903)

·         Through the Gates of Good; or, Christ and Conduct (1903)

·         Byways of Blessedness (1904)

·         Out from the Heart (1904)

·         The Path of Prosperity (Copyright, 1907 by R. F. Fenno & Company, Barse & Hopkins New York)

·         Poems of Peace, including the lyrical-dramatic poem Eolaus (1907)

·         The Life Triumphant: Mastering the Heart and Mind (1908)

·         Morning and Evening Thoughts (1909)

·         The Mastery of Destiny (1909)

·         Above Life’s Turmoil (1910)

·         From Passion to Peace (1910)