Literature of the Doctrine of a Future Life; Or, a Catalogue of Books Relating to the Nature, Origin and Destiny of the Soul, Etc

This bibliographic work was compiled by Ezra Abbot, a distinguished American biblical scholar and librarian, and first appeared as an appendix to William Rounseville Alger’s A Critical History of the Doctrine of a Future Life in 1864. Created during a period of intense theological interest in eschatology and the nature of the soul, the catalogue was designed to provide a comprehensive, systematic guide to the vast array of literature surrounding the afterlife, spanning philosophical, theological, and scientific perspectives.

Abbot’s contribution is widely regarded by scholars for its meticulous precision and breadth, reflecting his rigorous academic standards and his role in organizing the Harvard College Library. By cataloging thousands of titles, ranging from ancient treatises to contemporary works, he aimed to stabilize a chaotic field of study for future researchers. The bibliography was highly praised by contemporaries for its utility and depth, establishing Abbot as a preeminent bibliographer of his era.