BESANT, Annie, English theoso phist and author: b. London, 1 Oct. 1847. She was married in 1867 to the Rev. Frank Besant, brother of Sir Walter Besant, but was legally separated from him in 1873. She early mani fested an earnest interest in social and political topics, and in 1874 became connected with the National Secular Society. Owing to the publi cation of 'Fruits of Philosophy,' Mrs. Besant was prosecuted, in conjunction with Charles Bradlaugh (June 1877), but the prosecution failed. Mrs. Besant has since stated her dis agreement with the sentiments expressed in this book. In 1883 she announced her adhesion to Socialism. For three years she was a member of the school board of London. She was prominently connected with various socialistic movements and a frequent speaker at meetings for workingmen. In 1899 she underwent a complete change of mind when she joined the Theosophical Society, and in 1907 she was elected president. She visited the United States
in 1891 and 1892-93 and lectured on Madam Blavatslcy and reincarnation and on theosophy and occultism. Among her numerous publica tions are 'Reincarnation' ; (Seven Principles of Man' - (Autobiography' ; (Death and After' ; (Building of the Kosmos'; (In the Outer Court' ; (Karma' ; (The Self and Its Sheaths' ; (Path of Discipleship' ; (Man and His Bodies' ; (Four Great Religions' ; 'The Ancient Wis dom) ; (Three Paths to Union with God); (Evolution of Life and Form' • (Dhanna); (Avataras' ; (Ancient Ideals in dodern Life' ; (Esoteric Christianity' ; (Thought-Power' ; (The Religious Problem in India' ; (Theosophy and the New Psychology); (The Wisdom of the Upanishats.' In July 1916 she was re fused admission into India by the British authorities.