Beecher (1813-87), the brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, was an American Congregationalist clergyman, social reformer, speaker and prolific author, known for his support of the abolition of slavery and who in later life was embroiled in a much-publicised adultery scandal. This comprehensive biography, begun by Beecher himself and completed by his son and son-in-law with the assistance of his wife, was published in 1888, the year following his death. With illustrations throughout.