Customer Reviews

Some Fruits Of Solitude

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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.

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.

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!

Penn's wisdom was timeless and practical. The truth that scored three hundred years ago is still hitting the mark today. Mr. Taylors' modern language edition sharpens the point for modern readers and helps the spiritual truths penetrate. Without the barrier of archaic language, Penn shines through all the more.

The historical introduction alone makes this book a good buy. Mr. Taylor has boiled a sea of Biographical information into a salty context that gives the reflections a better flavor.

Get it! Read it! Do it!