The Life of Arnold Freeman
Philosopher, Teacher and Social Reformer
by Kenneth Gibson
with a Preface by Aonghus Gordon, OBE
Arnold James Freeman (1886-1972) was a unique individual who, in his adopted home town of Sheffield, became a 'folk legend' because of his infectious enthusiasm in promoting the arts, literature, culture and many other activities in the Sheffield Educational Settlement in the first half of the twentieth century. This biography is a rich and detailed account of the life of this extraordinary individual who deserves to be more widely known for his contribution to the history of Sheffield and his work in widening the spiritual and cultural horizons of numerous individuals.
'This unique work on the life of Arnold James Freeman reminds us of the importance of the biography genre, in which an individual's life becomes a focal lens through which a myriad historical movements and moments meld together. This is especially true of the life of Arnold Freeman, whose energy, exuberance and inquisitiveness led him to travel widely and mingle with some of the leading political, religious, literary and philosophical figures of the early 20th century.
Dr Gibson's approach, which centres firmly on Freeman's diaries, offers the reader intimate insight into the remarkable mind and a movingly human story.' Jacob Forward.
Contents
Preface by Aonghus Gordon, OBE
Prologue
Who was Arnold James Freeman?
Chapter One: Early Influences
The Freeman Family
Early Education and Role Models
1904-5, and Preparations for University
Chapter Two: Oxford
Oxford, Politics and Faith
George Hay Morgan and the 1906 Election Campaign
Literature and Faith
The Keswick Convention
Evangelism, Disillusion and Decision
Friendship and a Full Life
Chapter Three: George Bernard Shaw
A Shifting Perspective
The Influence of George Bernard Shaw
Tramps, Supermen and Eugenics
Inklings of a Socialist Utopia
George Bernard Shaw on Rudolf Steiner
Chapter Four: Matters of the Heart
Falling in Love
Winifred Lines
Juliet Stuart Poyntz
Nora White
Chapter Five: Spiritualism and Theosophy
Seeking the Spirit
The Mesmerising Literature
Julia’s Bureau
A Struggling Soul, Christian Science and Theosophy
The Theosophical Society and Annie Besant
Chapter Six: The Guru
Finding the Guru
The Making of a Guru and The Great School
The Road to ‘Mastership’
Sean Williams, a Master for an Eager Student
The Anguish of the Threshold
Gaston De Mengel
Chapter Seven: A Working Life
Sidney and Beatrice Webb
A Trip to Germany
Woodbrooke and Boy Life and Labour
Chapter Eight: The Great War, Writing and Reconstruction
Workers’ Educational Association
World War One
Becoming a Writer
The Evolving Relationship with The Great School
Great Britain After the War
The Spiritual Foundations of Reconstruction
The Equipment of the Workers
Education Through Settlements
Chapter Nine: Building a New Society
Rudolf Steiner, The Settlement and Controversy
Competing Visions for Society
The Oxford Conference
The Settlement
The Little Theatre
The 1923 General Election
Facing Hardship
Helen Rootham
Chapter Ten: War, Refugees and Retirement
The Second World War and The Sheffield Blitz
Supporting Refugees
The Post-War World
Save Europe Now
The Golden Blade
Retirement
Final Reflections
Acknowledgements
Notes
The Writings and Publications of Arnold James Freeman
A Wynstones Press title
Hardbound.
224 pages.
10 black and white and 11 colour photographs.
Cover illustration by David Newbatt.
24 x 17 cms, 9 x 6½ inches.
ISBN 9780946206995
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