The Spirit of the Quakers

Durham, a British broadcaster and magician who converted to Quakerism in 1999, has crafted this valuable book—both anthology and explication—especially for those unfamiliar with the Society of Friends. He opens with a brief, introductory overview followed by 12 chapters on topics such as Quaker meeting for worship, Advices and Queries, faith in action, peacemaking, the four testimonies (equality, peace, simplicity, and truth), and community. Durham coherently weaves together excerpts from the writings of renowned Friends of the founding period (1650–1700), his own commentary, and contributions of contemporary Quakers through 2009 to illuminate each topic and demonstrate the great variety of Quaker thinking. Additionally, there are chapters with extended excerpts from the religious journals of George Fox, Mary Penington, John Woolman, and Pierre Ceresole.