Customer Reviews

Imagination & Spirit: A Contemporary Quaker Reader

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Generally speaking, anthologies promise more than they can deliver. They are like "greatest hits" albums, that often don't contain an artist's best songs. This book, however, captures the width and breadth of Quaker literature. Just as the Catholic tradition has wonderful liturgy (at its best) and Baptists contribute moving gospel hymns, the Quakers have a literary profile second to none. Editor Brent Bill captures the excellence of Quaker literature with a wide variety of authors. The pieces included are diverse, sometimes funny, often moving. And Bill provides introductions that are clear, precise and organized to highlight what the reader should notice in the works. Literature teachers should include this volume in their curriculums. Faith communities should pick this one up and read, discuss, and enjoy. The book is a delight.

Imagination & Spirit is a great read and a wonderful education. I thought that I knew something about Quakerism and the Society of Friends. After reading Imagination & Spirit I have discovered that what I knew was only the surface of the wonderful traditions, practice and customs of Quakers.

Do not get the impression that this is a textbook on Quaker traditions; it is far from that. The educational component is presented stealthily, through Bill's accomplished selection of writings and his wonderful introductions to each author and each story. The book includes selections from a wide historical and style range of Quaker authors including D. Elton Trueblood, Jessamyn West, James A. Michener, Scott Russell Sanders, and Philip Gulley. The selections are marvelous, but it is Bill's introductions and explanations that really make this book shine.

Before each selection Bill gives a brief biography of the author with emphasis on his or her relationship to Quaker tradition. He also sets up each piece with its relevance to some aspect of Quaker life, such as wrestling with the issue of music or the particularities of a Quaker wedding. I came away from each piece feeling like a masterful teacher had just hoodwinked me into learning something about Quakers. Congratulations to Brent Bill for masterfully weaving together a collection of literature from the prolific Quaker tradition.

In Spirit and Imagination, Brent Bill assembles a wide variety of contemporary Quaker writing, and does so superbly. Though his selections cover the gamut, from fiction to non-fiction, each convey God's active and gracious presence in our world. What a hopeful, helpful book.

This book is a perfect gift for anyone who loves good writing and memorable stories. The diversity of authors insures there is "something for everyone" here. The common thread, however, are essays and stories that celebrate the human spirit and call all of us to deeper reflection about our creative selves.

This collection is full of information and surprises. Did you know James Michenor was a Quaker. Or that some of these pieces were made into movies? With an introduction to Quakers and writing and biographies of each featured author, the book features essays and fiction by the likes of Jessamyn West, James Michener, Scott Russell Sanders, Richard Foster, Thomas Kelly, David Yount, Phil Gulley and more. The piece by Jessamy West is from her "Friendly Persuasion" -- which was just picked by Indianapolis for its "One Book, One City" reading project. C. Michael Curtis, senior editor of The Atlantic Monthly says it has, "Readings that offer both food for thought and surprise around every corner."

The chapter on The Dialogue Of Prayer And Action is what made me love this book. Especially how Douglas V. Steere writes that the piece shows the ecumenical nature of Quakerism, believing that God's truth is revealed where God chooses to be revealed. And how its near impossible to have a serious prayer life without actions. That one would have to ask, whats the purpose of prayer if not to ask that one be changed, for the better.

Am always intrigued when I encounter someone who doesn't know what a Quaker is, aside from the occasional mention of the old man on the oatmeal box. This books will whet ones interest in learning more of the Quakers and the Friends, and their rich literature and history here in the states and abroad.