Quaker Writings

Starred review from March 1, 2011

In spite of its long association with American culture, Quakerism remains at least a little enigmatic to most outsiders. Hamm (history, Earlham Coll.; The Quakers in America) makes it easier to penetrate the mystery with this collection of writings from Quakerism's English founding to the early 20th century. Within chronological sections, Hamm presents thematic groupings such as "Founders," "Sufferings," "Women's Ministry Justified," "Travels and Travails," "Liberal Quakerism," and "American Civil War." Brief introductions to each part, an excellent introductory essay, and a brief bibliography help establish context and points of departure. This reviewer applauds Hamm's inclusion of writings opposed to Quakerism in addition to the apologetics, as well as his able representation of Quaker women. VERDICT Highly recommended for those with at least an intermediate interest in Quakerism along with Emilie Griffin and Douglas V. Steere's Quaker Spirituality and Mary Garman and others' Hidden in Plain Sight: Quaker Women's Writings, 1650-1700. Readers new to Quakerism should start with Geoffrey Durham's The Spirit of the Quakers, reviewed above. Those seeking further study should visit Hamm's curated Digital Quaker Collection at Earlham's School of Religion (www.esr.earlham.edu/dqc/index.html).--James R. Kuhlman, Univ. of North Carolina at Asheville Lib.

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