Many of you deeply value the book We Knew Mary Baker Eddy, and will be pleased to hear of recent developments with it. First published as a series of articles in the Christian Science Sentinel, then as a four- volume work over many years, and finally as a single volume published in 1979, We Knew Mary Baker Eddy includes accounts by 18 people who worked directly with Mary Baker Eddy and were blessed by her life and teachings. The original accounts were taken from reminiscences, articles for the periodicals, talks given at Annual Meetings of The Mother Church, or stenographic transcripts of Association meetings.
A thorough review of the original documents yielded two important findings. First, there was additional material of interest that had not been included in earlier versions, which will now be published for the first time in a new, expanded edition. Second, there were certain edits to the reminiscences that have now been removed to bring out more of the original wording. So, a reader familiar with earlier editions will note changes in the new book, but these changes are an accurate return to the primary documents. The 2011 version will also include the drawings seen in earlier versions as well as several photographs chosen for this book.
Obviously, any recollection of events by an individual will vary in accuracy from person to person. Only Mrs. Eddy’s own words in her own hand can fully bring the voice of authenticity to her meaning and intentions. But readers will have a strong “you are there” type of experience, as they enjoy reading these expanded and restored personal accounts by those who knew and worked directly with the Founder of Christian Science.
