Henry Stephens Salt

Henry Stephens Salt (20 September 1851 – 19 April 1939) was an English writer and campaigner for social reform in the fields of prisons, schools, economic institutions, and the treatment of animals. He was a noted ethical vegetarian and anti-vivisectionist.

Early life

Salt was born in Nainital, India, on 20 September 1851, the son of a colonel in the British army. He was educated at Eton College, where he first developed his radical views and disdain for the British class system.

Career

After leaving Eton, Salt worked as a master at Brighton College, but resigned in 1884 to devote himself to writing and to promoting his ideas of social reform. His first book, A Plea for Vegetarianism, was published in 1886 and he went on to write more than 40 books on various aspects of social reform and animal rights.

Salt was a founding member of the Humanitarian League, an organization dedicated to opposing hunting as a sport and promoting vegetarianism. He was also a member of the Fabian Society, a socialist organization that sought to transform Britain into a democratic socialist state.

Salt's most famous work is probably his biography of Henry David Thoreau, which was published in 1890. This book was instrumental in introducing Thoreau's ideas to a British audience and has been credited with inspiring the formation of the Suffragette movement.

Personal life

Salt was married to Catherine (Kate) Joynes, a like-minded social reformer and animal rights activist. They lived a simple life in Surrey, growing their own food and living in accordance with their principles of non-violence and respect for all life.

Death and legacy

Salt died on 19 April 1939. His ideas have continued to influence generations of social reformers and animal rights activists. His life and work are commemorated in the Henry Salt Society, which promotes his ideas and values.

See also

• List of animal rights advocates
• History of vegetarianism

External links

• Henry Salt Society