On Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 4 p.m., historian and author Peter Wallner will present a talk and book-signing for his new book, Faith on Trial: Mary Baker Eddy, Christian Science and the First Amendment. Wallner’s latest work examines the sensational 1907 Merrimack County Superior Court case in which Mary Baker Eddy was forced to defend herself and the religion she founded, Christian Science.
The event will be held at the New Hampshire Historical Society, 30 Park St. Books will be available for purchase for $29.95, and society members will receive a 15 percent discount. Admission is free.
In Eddy v. Frye, Eddy, who resided at Pleasant View in Concord, challenged her son and adopted son, who were attempting to take possession of her and her wealth. This largely forgotten case became a heresy trial as Eddy’s religious views and Christian Science became the basis of the plaintiff’s charge that Eddy was insane and incapable of caring for herself.
Author Howard Mansfield writes: “[Mary Baker Eddy] at age 85 fought a titanic battle to defend her beliefs and her considerable wealth. Peter Wallner’s diligent research delivers us into the thick of that courthouse drama, a cause célèbre of the day, and one with enough wattage that it would light up the Twittersphere today.”
Wallner is also the author of the two-volume biography, Franklin Pierce: New Hampshire’s Favorite Son and Franklin Pierce: Martyr for the Union. All Wallner’s books are available for purchase through the society’s online store at nhhistory.org.
