Customer Reviews

The Peaceable Kingdom: An American Saga

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de Hartog's novel is the best way to learn what it means to be a Quaker. By looking thorugh the eyes of fictional characters, he takes you deep into events (some true, some mythical) in the lives of George Fox, Margaret Fell, William Penn, John Woolman, and other prominent members of the sect, so you can feel the spiritual ferment of Cromwell's England, the American colonies, and the young USA. You will see a gentle Quaker farmer come to grips with the evils of slaveholding and see how it came to be that these people led the way in opposing that institution. Perhaps not surprising at all is to learn how it was the Quaker women who made the faith's continuous message of justice and non-violence a successful influence on an injust, violent society.

This is the one.. the one that brought me to love history and fiction all rolled into one beautiful, juicy, tale.

It should be on the top of your list if you're looking for a grand historical novel. Try it.. you'll love it.. The pace is good and kind and wonderful.. just like the Quakers.

I have read this book so many times it's falling apart. It influenced me enough to attend Quaker meetings and while I never made it to become a "convinced" Quaker, I have had a lifelong connection to the Society of Friends and it's been my favorite charity (AFSC).

The Quakers have always paved the way to peace and service to others in an unassming way.

A must read!

This book (saga) reveals the human condition in a powerful, earthy, lusty, and yet emotionally delicate and mystical way.
I've read it several times and it's never lost it's stunning impact. Perhaps the best book I've ever read. FYI, I'm also a huge fan of Shogun, The Source, How Green Was My Valley, and Gone with the Wind.