A Singular Life

Set in 19th century Massachusetts, Emanuel Bayard feels unsure about his studies at the local seminary. Though he is very devout to God, Emanuel feels he is called to do more for his community. However, some of the rules and leaders of the church are more conservative in their practices, disagreeing with Emanuel’s liberal and judgment-free approach. Among these people is the daughter of Emanuel’s theology professor, Helen. Yet, unlike others in the church, Helen accepts this difference, possibly persuaded by the attraction between she and Emanuel. After leaving the orthodox church, Emanuel begins to perform humanitarian acts inspired by the teachings and behavior of Jesus Christ. When these pursuits lead to the meeting of a local prostitute, Emanuel finds himself especially dedicated to her struggle. Magdalena, or Lena for short, is a beautiful woman and talented singer, forced to prostitution to make ends meet. She and Emanuel begin a friendship as he tries to help her find a better profession. Though Emanuel’s only intention is to better the community, improving one life at a time, not all are happy with Emanuel’s work, leading to conflict, surprising action, and an event that unsettles the whole town. First published one-hundred and twenty-five years ago in 1895, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps’ A Singular Life is a best-selling novel, offering a new perspective on the meaning of Christianity. With the use of religious philosophy, metaphor, and impactful prose, A Singular Life is a powerful narrative that promotes compassion and acceptance. While these elements encourage critical thought and provide insight, A Singular Life also entertains with its compelling drama, tender romance, and memorable characters. Invoking a whirlwind of emotion, A Singular Life challenges beliefs, offers immense comfort, and depicts characters that demand affection. This edition of A Singular Life by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps features an eye-catching new cover design and is presented in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition is accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences, restoring A Singular Life to modern standards while preserving the original intelligence and impact of Elizabeth Stuart Phelps’ work. Since our inception in 2020, Mint Editions has kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of our mission. Each and every Mint Edition title gets a fresh, professionally typeset manuscript and a dazzling new cover, all while maintaining the integrity of the original book. With thousands of titles in our collection, we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works, curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.