Super Short Summary

John Stuart Mill: Victorian Firebrand by Richard V. Reeves is a biography exploring the life and legacy of John Stuart Mill, a preeminent Victorian thinker. Reeves debunks myths about Mill, revealing him as a passionate man shaped by a strict upbringing and intense principles. The book details his personal life, especially his relationship with Harriet Taylor, and highlights his activism for social reforms like contraception, free speech, and land reform. Sensitive topics covered include child abandonment and poverty.