Rationalist Association
Charles Albert Watts printed the National Reformer in 1885. He also published most of Charles Bradlaugh's books that same year. A group of freethinkers felt unhappy with the political direction of the British secularist movement. They wanted to focus on intellectual work instead. Watts formed the Propagandist Press Committee in 1890. George Jacob Holyoake served as its president. The committee changed names several times before becoming the Rationalist Press Association in 1899. Members paid a subscription fee and received books annually worth that amount.
Watts & Co began publishing the Thinker's Library series in 1929. Fredrick Watts led this project until 1951. The series reprinted serious scientific works by Julian Huxley, Ernst Haeckel, and Matthew Arnold. These books were often deemed too anti-religious for mainstream publishers. The association sold these volumes at low prices to members. This strategy helped build a loyal readership base over two decades. The success of the library contributed to growing rationalist zeal among subscribers.
More than 5,000 members joined the association by 1959. This represented the highest membership count ever recorded. The popularity of rationalist literature grew so much that larger publishers entered the market. Mainstream bookstores began handling secular texts they previously refused. Readers shifted their purchases to established commercial houses. Membership numbers fell steadily after the peak year. The very success of the organization led to its decline in influence.
Bertrand Russell served as president from 1955 to 1970. Jonathan Miller accepted the role in 2006. He stated that not believing in religion was widespread but overlooked. Barbara Wootton held the position between 1970 and 1973. Peter Ritchie Calder led the group from 1973 until 1981. Hermann Bondi remained chair until 1999. These figures guided the organization through periods of significant change and public scrutiny.
The Rationalist Press Association changed its name to The Rationalist Association in 2002. It became a wholly owned subsidiary of this new charity. The original press continued publishing under the old imprint name. This restructuring allowed the organization to continue its work while adapting to modern legal frameworks. The transition marked a shift toward more formal corporate governance structures within the movement.
Humanists UK took over ownership of the Rationalist Press in January 2025. The quarterly magazine New Humanist now publishes under their direction. The original 1885 association became the publishing imprint of Humanists UK. This merger transferred all assets including books and periodicals. The rationalist tradition continues through a larger secular organization based in London.
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Common questions
When did Charles Albert Watts print the National Reformer?
Charles Albert Watts printed the National Reformer in 1885. He also published most of Charles Bradlaugh's books that same year.
Who served as president of the Rationalist Press Association from 1955 to 1970?
Bertrand Russell served as president of the Rationalist Press Association from 1955 to 1970. Jonathan Miller accepted the role in 2006 after Barbara Wootton held the position between 1970 and 1973.
What was the highest membership count recorded by the Rationalist Association?
More than 5,000 members joined the association by 1959. This represented the highest membership count ever recorded before numbers fell steadily after the peak year.
When did the Rationalist Press Association change its name to The Rationalist Association?
The Rationalist Press Association changed its name to The Rationalist Association in 2002. It became a wholly owned subsidiary of this new charity while the original press continued publishing under the old imprint name.
Which organization took over ownership of the Rationalist Press in January 2025?
Humanists UK took over ownership of the Rationalist Press in January 2025. The quarterly magazine New Humanist now publishes under their direction and the merger transferred all assets including books and periodicals.