A Plea for Vegetarianism and Other Essays

Henry S. Salt

Publisher: Vegetarian Society, Manchester
Published: 1886
Length: 114
Format: Hardback

Summary

A Plea for Vegetarianism and Other Essays by H.S. Salt, first published in 1886, is a compelling collection of nine essays that passionately advocate for the moral, economic, and aesthetic benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. Through these essays, Salt provides a thoughtful exploration of the public’s often sceptical or hostile reactions to vegetarians and offers guidance on how vegetarians should respond to these attitudes. His arguments challenge the conventional belief that meat is necessary for health and strength, suggesting instead that a plant-based diet is more humane, economical, and in tune with higher moral values.

The essays also delve into the cultural and intellectual dimensions of vegetarianism, reflecting on its potential to improve society as a whole. Salt’s influence extends far beyond his immediate readership—most notably, the book had a profound impact on Mahatma Gandhi, who discovered it in a vegetarian restaurant in London. Gandhi’s exposure to Salt’s ideas helped shape his own philosophy on non-violence and food reform.

Two of the essays, A Plea for Vegetarianism and Sir Henry Thompson and the ‘Vegetarians’, were reprinted from Time magazine in 1883 and 1886, respectively. The remaining essays were originally published in various outlets, including Food Reform Magazine, the Dietetic Reformer, and the Vegetarian Society’s Annual. This collection stands as a foundational text in the food reform movement, offering both practical insights and philosophical reflections on the importance of a vegetarian diet for individuals and society alike.