The Logic of Vegetarianism
 First edition | |
| Author | Henry S. Salt |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Vegetarian Jubilee Library |
| Subject | Vegetarianism, animal ethics |
| Genre | Essays, dialogues |
| Publisher | The Ideal Publishing Union |
Publication date | 1899 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 119 |
| OCLC | 1040251516 |
| Text | The Logic of Vegetarianism at Project Gutenberg |
The Logic of Vegetarianism: Essays and Dialogues is a 1899 book by British writer and social reformer Henry S. Salt. First published by the Ideal Publishing Union as part of its Vegetarian Jubilee Library series, the book offers a reasoned and wide-ranging defence of vegetarianism, combining essays and dialogues to examine the subject from multiple perspectives. Salt addresses common objections to vegetarianism and presents arguments based on ethics, physiology, economics, and aesthetics. He situates the practice within broader movements for social and humanitarian reform, aiming to show that vegetarianism is not a mere personal choice but a coherent response to systemic cruelty and waste.
Background
[edit]
In the late 19th century, vegetarianism was closely linked to wider social reform movements. One of its most influential advocates was Henry S. Salt, a writer and activist involved in prison reform, education, economic justice, pacifism, and animal welfare. He founded the Humanitarian League in 1891 and is often credited as an early pioneer of the animal rights movement. Salt's influence extended internationally; Mahatma Gandhi later acknowledged him as a key inspiration for adopting a vegetarian lifestyle.[1]
A committed socialist and anti-vivisectionist, Salt wrote extensively to promote ethical and humanitarian ideals. He published over 40 books, beginning with A Plea for Vegetarianism and Other Essays in 1886, where he argued that vegetarianism was not only humane and moral but also economical, healthy, and conducive to self-restraint.[1] He followed this with Animals' Rights: Considered in Relation to Social Progress, aiming to provide a rational foundation for animal rights, connect the cause to broader humanitarian reform, and challenge common justifications for inflicting unnecessary suffering on sentient beings.[2]
Originally published as articles in The Vegetarian Messenger, The Logic of Vegetarianism was written to present a clear and reasoned defence of vegetarianism through essays and dialogues that address and dismantle common objections.[3]
Summary
[edit]Through a mix of essays and dialogues, Salt dismantles common criticisms of vegetarianism, emphasising that it is not a mere dietary preference but a coherent ethical stance grounded in compassion, logic, and reform. He counters the claim that vegetarians are "cranks" or ascetics, arguing instead that the real irrationality lies in society's habitual violence toward animals, masked by custom and convenience.
Salt presents a comprehensive defence from multiple angles: ethical, physiological, economic, aesthetic, and historical. He asserts that the human body is naturally suited to a plant-based diet, and that vegetarianism promotes better health and hygiene while reducing the moral and physical degradation associated with slaughter. He draws on examples from ancient and modern history, showing that nonviolence toward animals has deep roots in various cultures and philosophies. Dialogues with fictional opponents allow Salt to mock popular objections while exposing their logical weakness.
In his closing chapters, Salt places vegetarianism within the broader humanitarian and rationalist movements of his time. He calls for reform not through dogma but through reason and sympathy, urging readers to act according to conscience rather than tradition.
Reception
[edit]A review in The Vegetarian Messenger described The Logic of Vegetarianism as a significant contribution to vegetarian literature, highlighting its use of essays and dialogues to present both supportive and opposing views. While observing that some counterarguments might appear weak, the review noted that these had been commonly raised in public discussions, suggesting the book could assist advocates in responding to typical criticisms.[4]
Publication history
[edit]The Logic of Vegetarianism was originally released in 1899 by the Ideal Publishing Union, as part of its Vegetarian Jubilee Library series. A second edition appeared in 1906, published by George Bell & Sons, followed by a revised and abridged edition issued by the London Vegetarian Society in 1933.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Salt, H. S. (9 June 2025). "A Plea for Vegetarianism and Other Essays". In Miller, Ian (ed.). Food in Nineteenth-Century British History. Vol. Three: Mealtimes (1 ed.). London: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781003594567. ISBN 978-1-003-59456-7.
- ^ Salt, Henry S. (1894). "Prefatory Note". Animals' Rights: Considered in Relation to Social Progress. New York: Macmillan & Co.
- ^ a b "The Logic of Vegetarianism". Henry S. Salt Society. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ "The Logic of Vegetarianism, Essays and Dialogues Review". The Vegetarian Messenger. 2 (11): 392–393. November 1899 – via Henry S. Salt Society.
External links
[edit]- The Logic of Vegetarianism at Project Gutenberg
- The Logic of Vegetarianism at the Internet Archive
The Logic of Vegetarianism public domain audiobook at LibriVox
