The Light in Their Consciences: Faith, Practices, and Personalities in Early British Quakerism, 1646-1666

Rating:
Summary: Well written portrait of the early Quakers.
Review: This is a very nicely done portrait of early Quakerism. The characters are lovingly brought back to life as the book depicts the world of the early Quakers.

The book may be seen as controversial, as it seems sometimes to portray George Fox in a less than admirable light. However, it is careful not to lower itself to character assassination, and instead paints Fox (who some authors find hard to criticise) as an altogether human character.

My biggest problem with the book is that it seems to somewhat gloss over the specifics of James Naylor's rift with Fox, but perhaps this is because there are many other books which cover this aspect. However, I did find this to be a strange omission in an otherwise flawless study of the charismatic Quaker movement.

My final criticism is that this book ends too soon. I would have liked to read more about the Quaker movement in the final years of the 17th century, and how the movement came to terms with the state that had for so long repressed it. I guess I must hope for a sequel.

Despite the minor criticisms outlined above, I still highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Well written portrait of the early Quakers.
Review: This is a very nicely done portrait of early Quakerism. The characters are lovingly brought back to life as the book depicts the world of the early Quakers.

The book may be seen as controversial, as it seems sometimes to portray George Fox in a less than admirable light. However, it is careful not to lower itself to character assassination, and instead paints Fox (who some authors find hard to criticise) as an altogether human character.

My biggest problem with the book is that it seems to somewhat gloss over the specifics of James Naylor's rift with Fox, but perhaps this is because there are many other books which cover this aspect. However, I did find this to be a strange omission in an otherwise flawless study of the charismatic Quaker movement.

My final criticism is that this book ends too soon. I would have liked to read more about the Quaker movement in the final years of the 17th century, and how the movement came to terms with the state that had for so long repressed it. I guess I must hope for a sequel.

Despite the minor criticisms outlined above, I still highly recommend this book.