The Quaker Reader
by Jessamyn West (Editor)
4.15 · Rating details · 75 ratings · 6 reviews
This long-treasured introduction includes a rich selection of Quaker writings from 1650 to the present. The writings illuminate the tenets of a just and loving religious faith and practice, and can inform and guide those familiar with or new to Quakerism.
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Paperback, 538 pages
Published December 12th 1992 by Pendle Hill Publications (first published 1962)
Original TitleThe Quaker Reader
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Silvio Curtis
Jun 15, 2009Silvio Curtis rated it it was amazing
A good collection of material, giving a historical overview of Quaker thought. A lot of primary sources by Quakers, some primary sources by non-Quakers, and a few secondary sources. A wide variety of styles, but the focus tends to be on the individual religious experiences of Quakers. If there's a weak spot, it's probably the difficulty integrating the individuals' experiences to get a sense of the history of Quakers as groups. (less)
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Daniel
Nov 09, 2009Daniel rated it liked it
some of the selections in this book are a little strange. the catalog as a whole fails to give a very comprehensive sense of the development of quaker thought, and the history behind that thought is often entirely obscured. west's idiosyncratic commentary sometimes trespasses into the nonsensical or simply irrelevant. that being said, it's a big, juicy anthology, and the foundational texts that form its early sections are tremendous. (less)
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Eli
Apr 20, 2009Eli rated it it was ok
Shelves: religion-christianity
I have a much older edition, from 1960-something. The commentary feels quite dated, but the primary sources are fascinating.
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Gregory Broderick
Nov 23, 2012Gregory Broderick rated it it was amazing
Fantastic Read
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Top reviews from the United States
elderberryjam
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for study and meditation/worship
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2016
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A small group was using this for a study prior to Quaker meeting-for-worship at a meeting I was visiting. Jessamyn West was the author of the book used for the movie, "Friendly Persuasion." I was so impressed with the discussion that I bought this book for myself. Each chapter has excerpts from different Quaker writers.
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Richard D. Ackerman
5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Series of Essays on Quaker Theology and Conduct
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 1999
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This books contains a variety of short essays on Quaker theology and conduct. It also contains important excerpts from the Journal of George Fox.
The book specifically and fairly acknowledges the scarcity of Friends' "theology" as an historical matter. However, this is amply supplanted by readings from the works of William Penn and others who were in a position to speak about the conduct of the Quakers and their effect on those around them. This 'third-person' perspective provides a unique insight into the lives of those known as the 'Quiet Rebels' in early American history and provides for a stimulating and educational reading experience. The editor should be credited with her fine selection of Quaker readings.
In short, the book is an excellent survey of Quaker thoughts and actions throughout history. By the time one reaches the end of this book, the reader should find themselves in the rather enjoyable position of feeling as though they know a 'Quaker'.
38 people found this helpful
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Kenny
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Collection
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2011
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This is a fine collection of writings from early Quakers to fairly recent times. The reader gets a sense of the times in which Quakerism was developed and also of what made its early practitioners special. This is, in my opinion, a very good source to those new to Quakerism or curious about what it's really about and whence it came. West includes background and analysis for each piece.
I would consider this a must-have book for any meeting house library or religious book collection.
2 people found this helpful
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Thomas A. Renick
4.0 out of 5 stars Quakers -Searching for the inner light
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2010
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This book is a compilation of writings from Quaker mystics. Goes from George Fox in 1600s England to more modern authors in their quest to understand God and social justice. Many members of the "Friends" today are agnostic and interested in only social programs, this book should be required reading for all who aspire to be a good "Quaker" and Christian.
2 people found this helpful
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karin morgan
5.0 out of 5 stars good book on Quaker history from it's formation from the ...
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2014
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good book on Quaker history from it's formation from the beginning .Why they are against war, slavery. And why they have silent prayer.
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Sandra L. Sparks
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2016
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A great reconnection to what is important about faith, to accept and experience "that of God in everyone."
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t-squared
5.0 out of 5 stars Shapers of Ideas
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2014
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I use this for my spiritual enhancement. Wisdom is always on time. And, this collection of wisdom is too.
In 2010, the Young Adult Friends of PYM revived the series, officially launching the second run of the William Penn Lectures in 2011. 
