As a Man Thinketh

James Allen was a philosophical writer and poet. He is best known for his book, As a Man Thinketh. Allen wrote about complex subjects such as faith, destiny, love, patience, and religion but had the unique ability of explaining these subjects in a way that is simple and easy to comprehend. He often wrote about cause and effect, sowing and reaping, as well as overcoming sadness, sorrow, and grief.

Birth and Early Years

James Allen was born on November 28^th, 1864 at 21 Brunswick Street, in Leicester, England to William (a Stocking Framework Knitter) and Martha (whose surname was Whalton or Whotton). His mother was 37 years old when she gave birth to him. Among his siblings, he had two younger brothers, George and Thomas. Thomas was also an author and contributed many articles to Allen's monthly journal, The Light of Reason.

When Allen was 15 and after hardships at his trade in England, his father took what money he had and left for the United States with the intent to start a new life for his family there. Two days after arriving in New York, his father died. It is unclear exactly how his father passed but most accounts point to murder.

The death of his father caused Allen to leave school and begin work. James worked as framework knitter as his father did. At this time they lived at 75 Charnwood Street in Leicester.

Although working many hours, Allen continued to read and study. It was around this time that he began reading Shakespeare and at about age 24 he read The Light of Asia. This book acted as spiritual awakener for Allen and started him on his path toward "perfect peace". Allen's parents are thought to be Methodists. It is clear that Allen strayed from his parent's religion, drawing inspiration from many religions and committing to no denomination.

Wife

Lily Louisa Oram was born on December 30^th, 1867 at Burrishoole, Eire to John and Jane Oram (whose surname was Talbot). She spent much of her childhood in England and Ireland. In her early teens, her family settled in Somerset. She was a Lieutenant in the Salvation Army for a short time and was also a member of the Bible Christian Church where she served as a local preacher. She spent some time working at the Jubilee Church in the East End of London where she was known as "Sister Lily." James met Lily in 1893 in South Wales (Cardiff) while she was on a church mission when he was 29. They married on May 22^nd, 1895 at the Holy Cross Church in Bampfylde, Somerset, England. The ceremony was performed by Philip C. Caffin, and witnessed by Lily's parents. They were both devout vegetarians.

Her daughter wrote of her:
"She was a beautiful woman with large brown eyes, dark brown hair, which became white rather early in life, very good features and, to the last, an upright carriage. She had a striking personality and was in many ways an individualist."