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Anna Kingsford was born in England in 1846. She was an English woman of many accomplishments: mystic, doctor, women’s activist, vegetarian and writer. She was president of the London Lodge of the British Theosophy society in 1883 and formed the Hermetic Society in 1884. Her name appears in studies of the women movement in the second half of the ninetieth century in England. She has a prominent place in the history of vegetarianism and action against vivisection. She figures in medical history as among the pioneer women gained qualifications in the male profession. Despite suffering from asthama, Anna led a very busy life, lecturing widely on vegetarianism and against vivisection in addition to her medical practices. In November 1886, Anna received a drenching in a Paris downpour which triggered consumption. Travel to the Riviera and Italy did not improve her condition. In June 1887, she settled in London and died there in February 1888.

Contents: Introduction. 1. Early years. 2. A young woman. 3. Marriage. 4. Anna’s own paper. 5. Anna at home. 6. Medical studies. 7. Anna’s mystical illuminations. 8. New friends and medical graduation. 9. Back in England. 10. A public figure. 11. President of the British theosophical society. 12. Controversy in theosophy. 13. The hermetic society. 14. Multifarious activities. 15. A busy life takes its toll. 16. Dying is a very slow process. 17. After Anna. 18. Maitland’s biography of Anna in question. Appendices. Bibliography. Index.