He was banned in Boston before Boston banned. Bennett founded his periodical The Truth Seeker in 1873, and despite its popularity with no less than Twain and Darrow, his devotion to "science, morals, free thought and human happiness" roused the ire of Comstock, who inspired Bennett's media-baiting trial and eventual imprisonment. Journalist Bradford is not shy about his admiration of the mercurial Bennett's writings, and also traces his work with the National Liberal League, suffragists and a forerunner of the American Civil Liberties Union. Bennett's religious skepticism, his devotion to free speech and his increasingly radical ideas seem at odds with his gentle Shaker upbringing, but as Bradford frequently points out, a strong influence can become a forked road. Bennett tested the limits of taste and patience of his day, but he was convinced he had taken the right path. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)