My First Ninety Years, My Autobiography – Lionel Owen

Born in Liverpool in 1934, the author lost his mother when he. was just six months old, lived through the wartime years, including the blitz in 1940, after which he was evacuated to Mid Wales and had to adapt to life on a small hill farm. In 1945 he went through the reverse process on returning to Liverpool.

The book tells the story of a working class boy with an unpromising early life who went on to become a leading executive of a large building society, a Spiritualist medium and teacher and President of The International Spiritualist Federation, with members in many countries. Spiritualism was the key factor in his life and he dwells at length on the development of his gift, the types of mediumship with which he has been gifted and his many experiences in demonstrating his gifts and teaching in many countries. He goes on to describe the religious philosophy of Spiritualism and his devotion to propagating it.

He lived through many political and social changes and scandals, some of which affected him personally and describes trying to combine being a Spiritualist medium with life in financial services. Experiencing the hey day of Building Societies, he has watched their decline resulting from political ineptitude, with sadness and despair. He has strong words for those responsible.

The teachings of Spiritualism had a huge impact upon his life.

Describing his experiences, he also outlines the philosophy stemming from proof that life continues after what is commonly called death. He claims this philosophy offers the best opportunity for humanity to overcome the arid doctrine of materialism and enable us to make more sense of our life on Earth.

This book is not only one person’s fascinating story, warts and all, but also a reminder of the tumultuous changes that occurred during his long life.