Arrows of Freethought by G. W. Foote

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Arrows of Freethought by G. W. Foote

(7 User reviews) 1454

By Donald Ward Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Adventure

Authors: Foote, G. W. (George William), 1850-1915 Published By : Foote, G. W. (George William), 1850-1915

Book Language: English

Ever wonder what it was like to openly question religion in Victorian England? I just finished 'Arrows of Freethought' by G.W. Foote, and it's a wild ride. This isn't a dry history book—it's a collection of fiery essays from a man who was literally jailed for blasphemy. Foote was the editor of a magazine called 'The Freethinker,' and he spent three months in prison for publishing cartoons and articles that mocked the Bible and the Church. The book is his defense, his battle cry, and his sharp-witted takedown of religious dogma, all rolled into one. The main conflict isn't just on the page; it was Foote vs. the entire British establishment. Reading it feels like you're getting a smuggled letter from the front lines of a war over ideas. It’s shocking, smart, and surprisingly funny in its blunt honesty. If you've ever felt frustrated by unquestioned authority or love a good underdog story from history, you need to check this out. It’s a powerful reminder of how hard people fought for the right to simply think differently.

File: Arrows of Freethought by G. W. Foote

George William Foote was a man who liked to poke the bear. In the 1880s, as editor of The Freethinker, he made it his mission to challenge the powerful Church of England and the idea that the Bible was beyond criticism. Arrows of Freethought gathers his best shots—essays where he dissects biblical stories, questions miracles, and argues for reason over blind faith.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot. Instead, the 'story' is Foote's real-life battle. The book opens a window into his three-month imprisonment for 'blasphemous libel.' The essays feel like dispatches from that fight. He takes aim at everything from the cruelty of the God in the Old Testament to the illogic of the Resurrection. He’s not just angry; he’s clever, using satire and straightforward logic to point out contradictions most people were too afraid to mention. You follow his intellectual journey as he builds a case for secularism and free speech, brick by logical brick, while facing real-world consequences.

Why You Should Read It

This book grabbed me because of Foote's voice. He’s not a distant philosopher. He’s sarcastic, passionate, and you can feel his frustration with the hypocrisy around him. Reading it today, it’s a stunning look at how much has changed—and how much hasn’t. The arguments about science vs. scripture, or individual conscience vs. institutional authority, still echo loudly. It’s also weirdly inspiring. Foote had every reason to shut up and play nice, but he chose to go to jail for what he believed was right. That kind of courage in the face of social scorn is always compelling.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone interested in the history of free speech, secularism, or Victorian society. If you enjoy writers like Christopher Hitchens or Richard Dawkins, you’ll find their intellectual great-grandfather here. It’s also great for readers who love primary sources—this is raw, unfiltered history, not a later interpretation. A word of caution: his style is very much of its time and can feel abrasive. But if you can get past that, Arrows of Freethought is a fascinating, fist-pumping read from a true rebel of his age.