Henry Ward Beecher

An American Portrait

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).

“Mr. Hibben has written a great biography, and one of lasting value. It is not merely interesting; it is profound. But its historical scholarship does not lie like a leaden weight on the book; for Hibben’s style is graceful and delicate, sometimes almost gay. He is so saturated with Beecher knowledge that he writes without effort. In reading it one feels that Paxton Hibben understands Beecher better than anybody has ever understood him, and that this book is a permanent contribution to American history.”—W. E. Woodward