James Allen
Born 1864 · Age 161
British philosophical writer, pioneer of the modern self-help movement; author of As a Man Thinketh and ~19 works produced 1901–1912.
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Life & Career Timeline
Birth in Leicester, England
Born in Leicester into a working-class family; eldest of two brothers. Mother illiterate; father William a factory knitter.
Father travels to America and dies in New York
Following a downturn in the textile trade William Allen travelled to America to find work; two days after arrival he died at New York City Hospital, believed a robbery/murder.
Leaves school to support family
At about age 15 Allen left formal schooling to work after the family's economic disaster following his father's death.
Begins working as a factory knitter / wage earner
Followed his father's trade and worked in factories to help support the family in Leicester and surrounding textile districts.
Works as private secretary and stationer (1890s)
For much of the 1890s Allen earned his living as a private secretary and stationer in several British manufacturing firms.
Moves to London; begins journalism/reporting
Allen relocated to London in 1893 and later to South Wales, earning his living by journalism and reporting.
Meets Lily Louisa Oram in South Wales (approx.)
While living/working in South Wales Allen met Lily Louisa Oram, who would become his wife (meeting occurred between his 1893 move and their 1895 marriage).
Marries Lily Louisa Oram
James Allen married Lily Louisa Oram (often cited as Lily L. Allen) in 1895.
Begins writing for The Herald of the Golden Age
Allen found an occupation suited to his spiritual and social interests as a writer for the magazine The Herald of the Golden Age.
Publishes first major book, From Poverty to Power
Allen published his first book, From Poverty to Power (also titled The Realization of Prosperity and Peace), beginning his bibliography of inspirational works.
Launches magazine The Light of Reason
Allen began publishing his own spiritual magazine The Light of Reason (later retitled The Epoch).
Produces 19 works across nine years (1903–1912)
Between 1903 and his death in 1912 Allen produced 19 works (books and major collections), a measure of his intense productivity.
Publishes As a Man Thinketh
Allen published his most famous work, As a Man Thinketh, a short essay/book inspired by Proverbs 23:7. It later became a foundational self-help text.
Quits secretarial work to write and edit full time
Following the publication and modest audience of his works Allen left secretarial employment to pursue writing and editing full-time.
Family retires to Ilfracombe, Devon
Allen and his family moved to Ilfracombe in 1903, where he spent the remainder of his life writing.
Begins productive period: 1903–1912
From Ilfracombe Allen entered a prolific period, producing more than one book per year and a large number of essays and articles.
As a Man Thinketh establishes long-term influence
As a Man Thinketh, though modest in initial audience, became a source of inspiration for future motivational and self-help authors and a foundational New Thought text.
Announcement of As a Man Thinketh in The Light of Reason (July 1903)
The Light of Reason (Allen's magazine) contained a July 1903 announcement of the new book As a Man Thinketh.
Publishes Byways of Blessedness and Out from the Heart
Allen published Byways of Blessedness and Out from the Heart (a sequel to As a Man Thinketh).
Publishes Poems of Peace and The Heavenly Life
Allen released Poems of Peace (including the lyrical-dramatic poem Eolaus) and The Heavenly Life.
Publishes The Life Triumphant: Mastering the Heart and Mind
Allen published The Life Triumphant, focused on mastering mind and heart.
Publishes Morning and Evening Thoughts and The Mastery of Destiny
Two works, Morning and Evening Thoughts and The Mastery of Destiny, appeared in 1909.
Publishes Above Life’s Turmoil and From Passion to Peace
Allen published Above Life’s Turmoil and From Passion to Peace (aka The Pathway of the Pure).
Publishes Eight Pillars of Prosperity and Man: King of Mind, Body and Circumstance
Two substantial works on prosperity and mastery of life were published in 1911.
Wife Lily continues publication of The Epoch
Following Allen's death Lily Allen continued publishing his magazine under the name The Epoch and compiled/published his posthumous works.
Light on Life's Difficulties (1912) publication
A work titled Light on Life’s Difficulties is listed with a 1912 date (may have been published around the time of his death).
Death in Ilfracombe from tuberculosis
James Allen died on 24 January 1912 in Ilfracombe, Devon, aged 47. Cause recorded as tuberculosis.
Posthumous collections: Book of Meditations and Meditations; A Year Book (1913)
James Allen's Book of Meditations for Every Day in the Year and the U.S. edition Meditations; A Year Book were published/compiled in 1913 by his wife from earlier texts.
Posthumous publication: Foundation Stones to Happiness and Success (1913)
A posthumous manuscript, Foundation Stones to Happiness and Success, was published with a preface by Lily L. Allen summarising his mission.
Posthumous publication: Men and Systems (1914)
Men and Systems was published posthumously in 1914.
Posthumous publication: The Shining Gateways (1915)
The Shining Gateways was published posthumously in 1915.
Posthumous publication: The Divine Companion (1919)
The Divine Companion was published posthumously in 1919.
Key Achievement Ages
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