Ida Craddock
- Born:
- August 1, 1857, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Died:
- October 16, 1902, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author, Sexual Reformer, Mystic, Vocal Teacher, Artist
Early Life and Education
- Began earning her living at age 15 through acting and vocal training.
- Briefly attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
- Developed a strong interest in mysticism and comparative religion.
Career and Major Achievements
- Published extensively on topics of sex education, marriage, and spirituality.
- Advocated for sexual freedom and challenged Victorian-era social norms.
- Known for her open and direct approach to discussing sensitive subjects.
- Her writings often integrated religious and spiritual perspectives with sexual advice.
- Among her controversial acts, she posed nude for art students.
- She controversially offered "celestial marriage" services, leading to legal troubles.
- The nature of "swami ramdas autobiography of miss" is connected to a pseudonym she used in some of her writing.
Notable Works
- Heavenly Bridegrooms (1900)
- Right Marital Living (1899)
- Moral Sex Education (1901)
- Psychic Structure of the English Language
Legal Troubles and Death
- Arrested and convicted in 1899 for distributing obscene materials through the mail, specifically related to her marriage counseling services.
- Repeatedly arrested and charged under the Comstock Laws.
- In 1902, facing imprisonment, she committed suicide.
Legacy and Impact
Ida Craddock remains a significant figure in the history of American sexual reform and free thought. Her outspokenness and willingness to challenge societal conventions paved the way for future generations of advocates for sexual education and freedom, though her radical views and practices caused significant controversy during her lifetime.