Customer Reviews

Quaker Spirituality: Selected Writings (HarperCollins Spiritual Classics)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Quakers are known for their deeply personal approach to spirituality. The writings of this volume convey just that. This is an absolutely beautiful collection of reflective writings by men and woman who found the Sacred within them. The anthology begins with selections from the "Journal" and the letters of George Fox (1624-1691), the figure around whom the original Quaker movement crystallized. This anthology includes some selections from the laudatory preface to Fox's "Journal", written by none other than William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. The anthology then includes the works of other Quakers from the 16th to the 20th centuries. One of the surprising gems of the book are the writings of Thomas Kelly (1893-1941), an American mystic whose life and work are too little appreciated. Kelly's writings radiate with the power of his mystical experience. Overall, this is a profoundly inspirational collection.

Amazon's presentation makes it seem that this book: "Quaker Spirituality: Selected Writings" (HarperCollins Spiritual Classics 2005) is the same as Quaker Spirituality: Selected Writings (Classics of Western Spirituality)" the original 1983 Paulist Press book. It isn't. It is abridged, to the point, in my opinion, of being much less useful as a brief overview of Quaker thought than the original book.

Amazon even presents the first two reviews - which are of the Paulist Press 1983 book- as if they are reviews of this book from Harper Collins 2005.

Amazon, please don't conflate these two books.

The original 1983 book from Paulist Press is a great, albeit brief overview of Quaker writing. It brings together in one place, authors that can be hard to get a hold of; for example, Caroline Stephen.

Five stars to the original 1983 book

One star to the abridged 2005 edition for being too short to be a decent introduction

Zero stars to Amazon for confusing the two.

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This collection of writings is a great addition for your library or reading list -- whether or not you are a Friend, you'll find a collection of thought provoking writings with an interesting view.

This book has both historical and philosophical views. Though much has changed in the world, and in the opinions of 'modern' Quakers, the core beliefs remain the same -- those who are new to Quakerism, those considering it or those just interested in another view will find this book of help.

The introduction to Quaker Spirituality written by Douglas V. Steere is a thorough review of the history of the people known as Quakers. It includes reference to specific events and tensions that helped formulate the movement. After the introduction, there are selections from a variety of authors that give one a broad yet clear picture of the writings that remain the basis for Quaker spirituality and guidance for those living it out today. Reflecting on what is offered provides one a glimpse into a multifacted faith.

Great book to get into the minds of Quaker Leaders. It is a gerat history book.

This is a great book for anyone who is interested in reading about Quakerism. I have several books about Quakerism and this one was a good addition to my collection. Easy read!