George Dawson (1821–76) was an English nonconformist preacher, lecturer, and activist. He was an influential voice in the calls for radical political and social reform in Birmingham. His “Civic Gospel” philosophy invoked civic leaders “to improve conditions in the town and the quality of life enjoyed by its citizens.”
Born in Brunswick Square, London, Dawson attended Marischal College, Aberdeen, and Glasgow. He served as the pastor of Baptist churches in Birmingham, attracting large congregations with his eloquence and unconventional views. His supporters built him an independent, theologically liberal the “Church of the Saviour,” where he preached for thirty years.
Dawson lectured on a wide range of subjects—Shakespeare, German poetry, Italian history, and etiquette. He helped found the Shakespeare Memorial Library in Birmingham. A friend of Thomas Carlyle and Ralph Waldo Emerson, he helped popularize their works.
Four volumes of Dawson’s Sermons, two volumes of Prayers, and two biographical Lectures were published after his death.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by George Dawson
A library may be regarded as the solemn chamber in which a man may take counsel with all who have been wise, and great, and good, and glorious among the men that have gone before him.
—George Dawson
Topics: Libraries
The man who is fond of books is usually a man of lofty thought, and of elevated opinions.
—George Dawson
Topics: Books, Reading
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