The James Allen Library

First published in 1910. Twenty chapters which offer guidance on overcoming hardships in life.

Allen's second book published in 1903. He said "All earnest Truth-Seekers should read this book."

This book is for the spiritually-minded who seek to know their supreme duty in life, and who are exercised about the problem of evil, and the mental and social inequalities around them.  It points such to the great Spiritual Realities within themselves, and reveals the way by which those Realities can be realized and known.  It shows how and in what way the Kingdom of Heaven is sought and found; and how, when found, all the necessary material things are added, and bliss and peace are assured.

Allen's third book. He described it as "A book that will help you to help yourself" and "A pocket companion for thoughtful people." First published in 1902.

Man is the creator and shaper of his destiny by the thoughts which he thinks.  He rises and falls in exact accordance with the character of the thoughts which he entertains.  His environment is the result of what he has thought and done in the past, and his circumstances in the future are being shaped and built by his present desires, aspirations, thoughts and actions.  He therefore who chooses and pursues a particular line of thought, consciously builds his own destiny.  This the book makes clear.

Published in 1904. Allen described this as "A book for all. It aims to reveal the sublime principles which lie hidden in the common facts of daily life."

The book expounds those right states of mind and wise modes of action which, when adopted under trying circumstances, bring about results fruitful of blessedness. The principles put forth are applicable to the common circumstances of daily life, in which all are frequently involved, and upon the wrong or right use of which all our misery or happiness depends; and those who put these principles into practice will very rapidly prove for themselves that circumstances are subordinate to the human will, and as the potter molds the unsightly clay into shapes of beauty, so the spiritual potter (he who has acquired the right state of mind) brings out of “adverse conditions” results that are precious, beautiful, and blessed.

“A brightly written book is Mr. James Allen's new volume, entitled 'Byways of Blessedness.'” -Light

“Mr. Allen's latest book appeals to us as being his best.  Particularly are the chapters on 'Forgiveness' and on 'Silentness' full of wise thought, calmly yet impressively uttered.  It is a useful book for a quiet hour.” --The Christian Life

“A book which, with careful reading, Christians of all shades of creed will find beneficial, for it inspires to the pursuit of the loftiest ideals of holy, happy living.  Moreover, the work is written in a terse, lucid, and forcible style, contains numerous clear-cut gems of rich thought, and is evidently the result of ripe experience and rare reflection.  For these reasons, then, I heartily commend 'Byways of Blessedness.'” --Christian Million

Allen described this book as "The story of my soul" and said it should be the last book of his to be read. Published after his death in 1919.

One of Allen's final works. Covers living in happiness and gaining success. Published in 1913 after his death.

Covers base human emotions and transition into divine human qualities. Published in 1910.

Allen's first book, published in 1901. Also called The Realization of Prosperity and Peace. Allen described this book as "A Book for all those who are in search of better conditions, wider freedom, and increased usefulness."

This book appeals to the reader from his own standpoint, and indicates the line of development along which each one should work in order to accomplish the greatest amount of lasting good.  Enduring success in any direction is shown to be the result of inward adjustment and growth.  Each may accelerate his own progress by silently, but effectively harmonizing his mental forces, the good effects of which will soon become manifest in improved circumstances, and wider opportunities.

This book contains two sections that were later published as individual books: The Path to Prosperity and The Way of Peace.

Published in 1908. Provides steps to rise out of weak conditions such as sin and sorrow and enter into victory over your heart and mind.

Sheds light on dealing with the hardships of human life including self-control, sacrifices, sorrows, and more. Published in Allen's final year, 1912.

Published in 1911. A short book that offers solutions to life's problems of learning how to live.

Published in 1909. Covers positive subjects including mind-building, accomplishment, and thoroughness.

This book was compiled by his wife after his death and published in 1913. It offers a passage for each day of the year. You can also sign up to receive these messages automatically each week by email!

Published in 1909. Provides a thought for each morning and evening of the day for a month.

Published in 1904. This is the sequal to As a Man Thinketh.

A compilation of poems written by Allen and published in 1907. Includes a poem for his daughter on her tenth birthday. This is one of the more difficult books to read.

Published in 1915. Compiled after his death, this book covers actions and motives, dealing with temptation, religion, and more.

Published in 1903. Also titled "Christ and Conduct". One of Allen's earliest works.

The "Light of Reason", started in 1902, was a magazine edited by Allen that included inspirational writings from Allen, readers of the magazine, and other authors of the time. The magazine had a large following and groups all around England met regularly to read and discuss its contents. Allen often went on "tours", travelling to each group to speak and meet with the members. The Allen's home was also open to visit by the readers of the magazine (for a fee)

The objects of “The Light of Reason” was:
To teach self-control, purity of heart, and the practice of righteousness, and to help men and women to overcome sin, to live the blameless life, and find thereby the way of perfect peace.

We're in the process of posting all of the copies we have of the "Light of Reason" but we're missing many. If you can provide any copies or point us in the right direction of obtaining these magazines, please contact us.

Although never mentioned by Allen, we refer to this book several times on the site. This book was the inspiration for the movie The Secret and outlines the so-called "law of attraction" (although it never uses that term). It was written in 1910 which is the same time Allen was writing and captures a lot of the same thoughts of that era.

Allen was greatly inspired by this writing and began his own writing after reading this book.

First published in 1897. Henry Ford is said to have given away hundreds of copies of this book. A book that shares many of the same views as As a Man Thinketh. It will help you to be prosperous, overcome inner struggles, and live a happy and healthy life.

First published in 1841, this is Emerson's first series of essays. James Allen quoted Emerson often and his books were advertised in The Light of Reason.