Dreams and Dream Stories

Anna Bonus Kingsford (1846-1888) was an English author, physician, and feminist notable for her contributions to theosophical and spiritualist thought of the 19th century. Kingsford, one of the first English women to obtain a degree in medicine, was also a prolific writer and a vehement advocate for animal rights and vegetarianism. Her most enduring work, 'Dreams and Dream Stories' (1888), is a collection of her own mystical and symbolic dreams, reflecting her deep involvement in esotericism and her pursuit of spiritual truths beyond the material world. This book encompasses an array of dream narratives rich with allegorical and spiritual significance, profoundly influencing succeeding generations exploring dream interpretation and the study of the subconscious. Kingsford's literary style often weaved elaborate, poetic prose with her sharp intellect, resulting in works that were both imaginative and intellectually rigorous. The themes she explored, including critiques of materialism and explorations of divine femininity, echoed throughout her various other publications, such as 'The Perfect Way in Diet' (1881) and her collaboration with Maitland in 'The Perfect Way; or, The Finding of Christ' (1882). In her pursuit of intellectual and spiritual enlightenment, Kingsford's legacy remains one of fierce intellect, visionary writing, and an unyielding commitment to ethical and esoteric inquiry.