Ignatius L. Donnelly

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Ignatius Loyola Donnelly (November 3, 1831 – January 1, 1901) was an American politician, author, and Atlantologist. He is best known for his theories concerning the lost continent of Atlantis, his work on Baconian authorship of Shakespeare's works, and his involvement in the Populist movement.

Early Life

Ignatius L. Donnelly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Philip Carroll Donnelly and Catherine Gavin Donnelly, both of whom were Irish immigrants. Donnelly attended the Central High School in Philadelphia, where he excelled in his studies.

Political Career

Donnelly began his political career as a member of the Republican Party. He served as the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota from 1860 to 1863. He was later elected to the United States House of Representatives where he served from 1863 to 1869. During his time in Congress, Donnelly was known for his advocacy of progressive causes, including women's suffrage and labor rights.

Literary Contributions

Donnelly is perhaps best known for his literary works, particularly his theories on Atlantis and the authorship of Shakespeare's plays. His book, Atlantis: The Antediluvian World (1882), proposed that the lost continent of Atlantis was real and had a significant influence on ancient civilizations. In The Great Cryptogram (1888), Donnelly argued that Francis Bacon was the true author of Shakespeare's works.

Atlantis: The Antediluvian World

In Atlantis: The Antediluvian World, Donnelly suggested that Atlantis was the source of all civilization and that its destruction led to the spread of its people and culture across the world. He linked various ancient myths and legends to the story of Atlantis and proposed that the Mayan civilization and Ancient Egypt were direct descendants of Atlantean refugees.

The Great Cryptogram

Donnelly's The Great Cryptogram delved into the Baconian theory of Shakespearean authorship. He claimed to have discovered a cipher within Shakespeare's works that revealed Bacon as the true author. This theory, while controversial, gained a following and contributed to the ongoing debate over the authorship of Shakespeare's plays.

Populist Movement

In the later part of his life, Donnelly became involved in the Populist movement. He was a key figure in the party and ran for various political offices under its banner. Donnelly's advocacy for the rights of farmers and laborers made him a prominent voice in the movement.

Death and Legacy

Ignatius L. Donnelly died on January 1, 1901, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His contributions to literature, politics, and the study of ancient civilizations have left a lasting impact. Donnelly's works continue to be studied and debated by scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Related Pages

• Atlantis
• Baconian theory
• Populist Party (United States)
• United States House of Representatives
• Francis Bacon
• William Shakespeare