Resources by Studdert-Kennedy, Hugh A.

Studdert-Kennedy presents the minority (and ultimately losing) view of the legal battle that erupted 10 years after Eddy’s passing known as the ‘Great Litigation’ that nearly brought Eddy’s church and publishing arm to a halt. This three-year trial would determine whether authority rested with the Christian Science Board of Directors who governed the Church or the Trustees of the Publishing Society.

The value of Studdert-Kennedy’s 1933 work for researchers in the 21st century lies in the fact that it offers a rare depiction of Mary Baker Eddy shortly after her death that is neither hagiographic nor polemic. He also critiques other biographers for writing pseudo psychoanalyses rather than true biographies, a pretense for lashing out at will.

This unique outsider-insider perspective is apparent in this biography. He seeks to present a full, frank, and generally appreciative picture of Mary Baker Eddy’s life and thought, and details her development in ways not portrayed at that date in biographies published by her Church. However, Aruthur Corey, a dissident critic of Eddy’s Church, later redacted portions unlike Studdert-Kennedy’s original work.