Quakers

Description

Though there have never been many Quakers, these small numbers belie the sect's tremendous impact, both historical and contemporary. Quakerism has produced an astonishing and disproportionate number of eminent thinkers, scientists, industrialists and businessmen, who are united not only by their success but by their commitment to philanthropy and social justice. Quakers also played an important role in early American history, William Penn even having a state named after him. In this illustrated introduction, Peter Furtado traces the history of Quakerism through the tumultuous period of the Civil War and Restoration, its zealous and unrelenting opposition to the slave trade, and its continued work at the forefront of peacemaking, poverty relief, conflict resolution and charity. He also looks closely at the egalitarian teachings of Quakerism's founder, George Fox, and at how the sect's beliefs have developed since, including their undaunted pacifism and why they have been so successful in business.

Peter Furtado has been a Quaker 'by convincement' for 25 years. He has been editor of History Today magazine (1997-2008), and is editor of History's Daybook (Atlantic, 2011), Histories of Nations (Thames & Hudson, 2012) and was editor of the Shire Living Histories series (2009-11), and author of Restoration England (2010).

"Illuminating portrait of historical and contemporary Quakerism...Reading this account of Quaker activism, we realized that no other religious community has worked so hard, so long, and on so many social issues." --Spirituality and Practice "A really nice new book...lots of information very well presented -i Ideal for both adults and older children -- PLUS they have found many striking images that I have not seen anywhere else to illustrate Quaker history and practice. The book is part history, part Quaker theology and part examples of the Quaker testimonies in action, all well written by a sympathetic and knowledgeable historian." --Friends General Conference