Henry Wood was an early New Thought author. His books were universally popular during his lifetime. Horatio Dresser, another key figure in the early part of the movement, writes of him as the first to seek to spread the new ideas through publicity. He thought of him as representative of "the more rational expression of New Thought" ( History of the New Thought Movement, p. 167 ), and at the same time the first New Thought philanthropist.
His works include:
- Edward Burton 1890
- God’s Image in Man 1892
- Has Mental Healing a Valid Scientific and Religious Basis? (pamphlet)
- Ideal Suggestion Through Mental Photography 1893
- Life More Abundant 1905
- Natural Law in the Business World 1887
- The New Old Healing 1908
- New Thought Simplified 1903
- New Thought World
- The Political Economy of Natural Law 1894
- The Political Economy of Humanism (rev. ed. of 1894 book) 1901
- Studies in the Thought World 1896
- The Symphony of Life 1901
- Victor Serenus 1898
Henry Wood was successful businessman who upon retirement turned to writing as a second career. Natural Law in the Business World, published in 1887, brought him to prominence. Later the book was renamed The Political Economy of Humanism, and was so popular it was published in numerous editions. Despite his success, a year later, at the age of fifty-four, he plunged into a depression in which he felt overwhelmed and was diagnosed with "Americanitis." The fact that regular medicine brought no relief from his chronic fatigue, impotence and anxiety. provided Woods with the impetus to change his life. Approaching his dilemma with the same zest he had once had for business he examined his life and realized he had been living a life according the dictums of meaningless codes of conduct that contrary to bringing about positive change instead simply perpetuated degradation. He began an exploration into the philosophy of "higher thought" accompanied with a practice of new ideals including meditation. As if he had unfurled a magic carpet and begun a ride to nirvana, his attitudes and outlooks took a dramatic turn to vitality and his health recovered. Wood then began his spiritual writing, illuminating the New Thought that was responsible for his recovery.
Wood's books were immensely popular Wood and he even expressed his ideas through the medium of fiction, writing two novels, Edward Burton and Victor Serenus. The latter was made into a drama -- probably the first New Thought drama -- and was performed in a Boston theater, but unfortunately, it was not a dramatic success.
Henry Wood became active in the Metaphysical Club of Boston and a popular public speaker. Prior to his demise he was a critical component in the formation of several New Thought organizations.
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