 First edition | |
| Author | Henry S. Salt |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Vegetarian Jubilee Library |
| Subject | |
| Genre |
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| Publisher | The Ideal Publishing Union |
Publication date | 1899 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 119 |
| OCLC | 1040251516 |
| Text | The Logic of Vegetarianism atProject Gutenberg |
The Logic of Vegetarianism: Essays and Dialogues is a 1899 book by British writer and social reformerHenry S. Salt. First published by The Ideal Publishing Union as part of itsVegetarian Jubilee Library series, the book presents arguments in favour ofvegetarianism through a series of essays and dialogues. It discusses the subject from ethical, physiological, economic, and aesthetic perspectives and responds to common objections to a vegetarian diet.
The work was first serialised inThe Vegetarian Messenger before being published in book form. A review in the same journal described it as a contribution to vegetarian literature that presented both supportive and opposing views through its format. Later editions were issued in 1906 and 1933.
In the late 19th century, vegetarianism was closely linked to wider social reform movements. One of its most influential advocates wasHenry S. Salt, a writer and activist involved in prison reform, education, economic justice, pacifism, and animal welfare. He founded theHumanitarian League in 1891 and is often credited as an early pioneer of theanimal rights movement. Salt's influence extended internationally;Mahatma Gandhi later acknowledged him as a key inspiration for adopting a vegetarian lifestyle.[1]
A committedsocialist andanti-vivisectionist, Salt wrote widely to promote ethical and humanitarian ideals. He published over 40 books, beginning withA Plea for Vegetarianism and Other Essays in 1886, where he argued that vegetarianism was not only humane and moral but also economical, healthy, and conducive to self-restraint.[1] He followed this withAnimals' Rights: Considered in Relation to Social Progress, aiming to provide a rational foundation foranimal rights, connect the cause to broader humanitarian reform, and challenge common justifications for inflicting unnecessary suffering onsentient beings.[2]
Originally published as articles inThe VegetarianMessenger,The Logic of Vegetarianism was written to present a clear and reasoned defence of vegetarianism through essays and dialogues that address and dismantle common objections.[3]
Through a mix of essays and dialogues, Salt dismantles common criticisms ofvegetarianism, emphasising that it is not a mere dietary preference but a coherent ethical stance grounded in compassion, logic, and reform. He counters the notion that vegetarians are "cranks" orascetics, arguing that the true irrationality lies in society's habitual violence toward animals, masked by custom and convenience.
Salt presents a comprehensive defence from multiple angles: ethical, physiological, economic, aesthetic, and historical. He asserts that the human body is naturally suited to a plant-based diet, and that vegetarianism promotes better health and hygiene while reducing the moral and physical degradation associated with slaughter. He draws on examples from ancient and modern history, showing that nonviolence toward animals has deep roots in various cultures and philosophies. Dialogues with fictional opponents allow Salt to mock popular objections while exposing their logical weakness.
In his closing chapters, Salt places vegetarianism within the broader humanitarian and rationalist movements of his time. He calls for reform not through dogma but through reason and sympathy, urging readers to act according to conscience rather than tradition.
A review inThe Vegetarian Messenger describedThe Logic of Vegetarianism as a significant contribution to vegetarian literature, noting its use of essays and dialogues to present both supportive and opposing views. While observing that some counterarguments might appear weak, the review noted that these had been commonly raised in public discussions, suggesting the book could assist advocates in responding to typical criticisms.[4]
The Logic of Vegetarianism was originally released in 1899 by The Ideal Publishing Union, as part of its Vegetarian Jubilee Library series. A second edition appeared in 1906, published byGeorge Bell & Sons, followed by a revised and abridged edition issued by theLondon Vegetarian Society in 1933.[3]
The Logic of Vegetarianism public domain audiobook atLibriVox