Some Fruits Of Solitude [Paperback]

William Penn (Author), Eric K. Taylor (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2003

In Some Fruits Of Solitude, William Penn distills the essence of his spiritual idealism, combining it with practicality and common sense. Translated into today's English by Eric K. Taylor. 168 pages.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This newly edited... classic... is an important read.... Eric...puts the fine prose into modern English...with careful accuracy. -- Living the Solution (reviewer Tom Gilbert)

From the Publisher

Penn's wise reflections have demonstrated their value over time; they have remained continuously in print for over 300 years. However, with the changes in language of the past 300 years, Penn's writings have become increasingly hard to understand. Taylor's careful editing into contemporary language enables Penn's voice to once again be heard in it's simplicity and timelessness—sharing his fruits of solitude.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 167 pages
• Publisher: Herald Press (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836192052
• ISBN-13: 978-0836192056
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,059,084 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quaker Wisdom for Everybody, October 1, 2003

By 

P Dandelion (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Some Fruits Of Solitude (Paperback)

Eric Taylor's new book on William Penn gives a welcome introduction to the values and writings of thie emminent Quaker. the book consists of a biography of Penn, a handy bibliography for more in-depth reading, and [...] extracts from one of Penn's major works, 'The Fruits of Solitude', all in modern English. Taylor has gone to great lengths to make the tranlstion to the modern idiom accurate and whilst the endeavour will dishearten purists (and others will feel that the spirituality of the text has been diminished), it makes the text more accessible. As such, this is a book aimed at a wide readership, anyone indeed who wishes to partake of Penn's wisdom on leading a good life. Penn is more remembered for his deeds than his writing but he was very influential in shaping the Quaker movement in a new direction at the end of the seventeenth century and this popular and well-priced reader presents his thought in an attractive and carefully crafted way.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and Easy to Read, July 5, 2003

By 

Eleanor Uckele (Essex Jct., VT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Some Fruits Of Solitude (Paperback)

The wisdom of William Penn is more accessible with this book which puts Penn's words into modern English. I loved many of Penn's sayings and found them still thought provoking and inspiring today.
A short, but clear historical introduction gives the reader a better sense of Penn's times.
Highly recommend. An easy read but weighty thoughts.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words to Live By, July 31, 2003

By 

Ed Winslow (Indianapolis, IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Some Fruits Of Solitude (Paperback)

I loved Taylor's historical introduction. It really opened things up for me; I didn't have a clue about what was happening back then, and it really set the work in context. Penn was fascinating; this introduction left me wanting to know more about him. Unlike some contemporary writers, here's a guy giving wise advice who's really lived it. Penn's Fruits of Solitude are a very enjoyable collection of contemplative, proverbial insights...good material to muse on. I normally find older writings difficult, but Taylor's editing has made this very readable. Highly recommended!