Biographies of Working Men (ePub)

Grant Allen (1848-1899) was a prominent Canadian science writer and novelist, known for his pioneering ideas and contributions to evolutionary biology and social commentary. Allen, born near Kingston, Ontario, held a stance ahead of his time on many social issues, including women's rights. He was educated at King Edward's School in Birmingham and later at Merton College, Oxford, where he developed a diverse set of interests that would influence his wide-ranging literary career.

Allen's work 'Biographies of Working Men' (1885), demonstrates his commitment to the acknowledgment of working-class heroes, echoing his broader interest in social and scientific progress. His literary style often intertwined didacticism with entertainment, aiming to educate the reader while keeping them engaged. Allen's other notable works include 'The Evolution of the Idea of God' (1897), in which he hypothesized the anthropological development of religious concepts, and the controversial novel 'The Woman Who Did' (1895), advocating progressive ideas about women's autonomy and sexual freedom. His forward-thinking views on societal norms permeated his novels and non-fiction alike, making his writings relevant to discussions on social evolution and the role of science in cultural development. Overall, Grant Allen's legacy is that of a versatile writer who used his pen as a tool for societal education and scientific discourse.