Hannah More (1745-1833) was born near Bristol, England. She was educated at a school run by her older sisters. She began writing at an early age and by the time she was in her mid-thirties she had published a number of dramas and works of religious fiction. She began writing tracts during the time of the French Revolution, primarily to promote the Christian faith against the agnostic philosophies that were becoming influential. Her tracts were tremendously popular and led to the creation of the Religious Tract Society. Her social views, particularly regarding the plight of poor women and children and the evils of slavery, were influenced by preachers and reform advocates like William Wilberforce and John Newton. She used her wealth to establish schools, press the government for social improvements and set up relief agencies. Her books, poems, and tracts were very popular and her social activism helped improve the lives of the helpless and oppressed.
