Complete digitally restored reprint (facsimile) of the original edition of 1903 (second edition) with excellent resolution and outstanding readability. Annie Besant (born October 1, 1847, died September 20, 1933). She was a prominent British socialist, theosophist, women's rights activist, writer and orator and supporter of Irish and Indian self-rule. President of the Theosophical Society. Annie Besant died at age 85 in Adyar, Madras Presidency, British India. Her body was cremated.