William Walker Atkinson (1862-1932) was an American author, publisher, and influential figure in the New Thought movement. Despite an early career as an attorney, Atkinson experienced a severe breakdown which led him to embrace New Thought principles, particularly suggestive therapeutics, for healing and prosperity. This marked a turning point, leading him to dedicate the last 30 years of his life to writing, producing an estimated 100 books.

His literary output began in earnest around 1900, collaborating with Dr. Herbert A. Parkyn, founder of the Chicago School of Psychology. Atkinson's work integrated metaphysical interpretations into mental sciences, expanding suggestive therapeutics into areas like self-culture and psychic phenomena. He served as an editor for "Suggestion" and "New Thought" magazines, and later founded "Advanced Thought." Atkinson also utilized numerous pseudonyms, contributing to the mystique surrounding his extensive body of work. His writings have remained in print continuously since 1900.

William Walker Atkinson's life took a significant turn following a period of intense stress that resulted in a physical and mental collapse. Seeking a path to recovery, he discovered the principles of New Thought and suggestive therapeutics in 1900. He credited these ideas with restoring his health, mental clarity, and financial stability. This personal transformation propelled him into a prolific writing career focused on these philosophies. He collaborated closely with Dr. Herbert A. Parkyn, studying under him and contributing to Parkyn's "Suggestion" magazine. Atkinson's role was to translate Parkyn's methods into language accessible to those interested in metaphysical concepts, expanding their application beyond clinical settings into self-improvement and the exploration of psychic phenomena.

Atkinson's literary career spanned approximately the last 30 years of his life, during which he authored an estimated 100 books. He was a master of pseudonyms, writing under various pen names and personas, often for books published by his own publishing houses. These pseudonymous authors frequently appeared in magazines he edited, such as "Advanced Thought," before their works were compiled into books. This strategy, combined with shared addresses for publishing entities like The Yogi Publishing Society and Advanced Thought Publishing Co., contributed to a complex publishing landscape. His works, often exploring themes of mental control, personal magnetism, and psychic influence, have maintained a consistent presence in print since the early 20th century.

Atkinson was instrumental in shaping the discourse of mental science and New Thought through his editorial work and publications. He served as the first instructor at Dr. Parkyn's University of Psychic Science, developing course material that blended psychology with emerging theories of vibration and mental polarity. His first book, "A Series of Lessons in Personal Magnetism," emerged from this period. He later edited "New Thought" magazine from 1901 to 1905, and subsequently "Advanced Thought" from 1906 to 1916. His editorial efforts and the establishment of his "Success Circle" and "Atkinson School of Mental Science" solidified his position as a prominent leader within the New Thought community, with his work being recognized and emulated by other publications.