Quotes:Ross, William Stewart

Zirkoff, Boris

Ross, William Stewart (pseud.: “Saladin”). Secularist, b. at Kirkbean, Galloway, March 20, 1844; d. of heart failure at Brixton, Nov. 30, 1906. Son of a farm servant and a presbyterian; educated at the parish school of New Abbey, and Hutton Hall Academy, Caerlaverock. Became usher at Hutton Hall, then master at Glenesslin School, Dunscore, in 1861; went in 1864 to Glasgow University to prepare for Scottish ministry. Showed much promise as debater at Dialectical Society. Conscientious scruples prevented completion of theological studies. Favourable reception of his novel, Mildred Merlock, led him to seek livelihood from his pen. Went to London to assist Thomas Laurie in the publication of educational works. Became in 1872 a publisher himself (at 41 Farrington St.), under the name of Wm. Stewart & Co.; published books on English history and literature. Ross entered enthusiastically into the Freethought Movement, and assisted Chas. Bradlaugh in the struggle for liberty of thought and speech. Contributed essays to the Secular Review, becoming its sole Editor after amalgamation with the Secularist, 1884; changed its title to Agnostic Journal, 1889. Wrote under pseudonym of “Saladin” many pungent criticisms of existing social corruption in Church and State, fearlessly showing up the evils of the day. Other aspects of his strong character found an outlet in poetry and romance. Chief works: *Lays of Romance and Chivalry. London: Wm. Stewart & Co., 1882. 69 pp. 8vo.—*Woman: her Glory, her Shame, and her God, ibid., 1888. 2 vols.; new ed., 1906.—God and his Book, 1887.

Source: Boris de Zirkoff, «H. P. Blavatsky Collected Writings», vol. 9, p. 452

“Saladin.” Vide Ross.

Source: Boris de Zirkoff, «H. P. Blavatsky Collected Writings», vol. 9, p. 453

Ross, William Stewart (pseud.: “Saladin”), *Woman: her Glory, her Shame, and her God. London: Wm. Stewart & Co., 1888. — *God and His Book, 1887. — *Miscellaneous Pamphlets.

See Vol. IX, Bibliogr. Index, for information concerning this remarkable man.

Source: Boris de Zirkoff, «H. P. Blavatsky Collected Writings», vol. 11, p. 589