First published in 1927, this is the acclaimed biography of Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887), the American Congregationalist clergyman, social reformer and speaker best known for his support of the abolition of slavery. It was written by former American diplomat, journalist, author and humanitarian Paxton Hibben (1880-1928).

Draws readers inside the circle of philosophers, scientists, politicians, businessmen, clergymen, and scholars who brought Charles Darwin's controversial ideas to America in the crucial years after the Civil War. Prominent among these men were the English philosopher Herbert Spencer, industrialist Andrew Carnegie, clergyman Henry Ward Beecher, and political reformer Carl Schurz.