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The Quakers: A Very Short Introduction

Description:

Here is the perfect introductory guide to the history and ideas of the Quakers, one of the world's most fascinating and enigmatic religious groups. Emerging in England in the 1650s as a radical sect challenging the status quo, the Quakers are now best known for their anti-slavery activities, their principled stance against war, and their pioneering work in penal reform. Famous Quakers include Thomas Paine, Walt Whitman, Lucretia Mott, Herbert Hoover, James Dean, Judi Dench, and A.S. Byatt. And while the group still maintains a distinctive worship method to achieve a direct encounter with God, which has been at the heart of the movement since its beginning, Quakers today are highly diverse: some practice a protestant evangelicalism, others are no longer Christian. In this generously illustrated book, Pink Dandelion, the leading expert on Quaker Studies, draws on the latest scholarship to chart the history of the sect and its present-day diversity around the world, exploring its unique approach to worship, belief, theology and language, and ecumenism. It concludes by placing the Quakers in the wider religious picture and predicting its future.

About the Series: Oxford's Very Short Introductions offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, and Literary Theory to History. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given topic. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how it has developed and influenced society. Whatever the area of study, whatever the topic that fascinates the reader, the series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.


Editorial Reviews

Book Description

An engaging guide to the principles and practices of the Quakers around the world from their inception to the present day

About the Author

"Ben" Pink Dandelion is a Reader in Quaker Studies and directs the work of the Centre for Postgraduate Quaker Studies, Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre and the University of Birmingham. He is the author of numerous books on the Quakers including The Liturgies of Quakerism and Introduction to Quakerism and edits the journal Quaker Studies.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to Quakerism

L. · September 30, 2024

This tiny book was very helpful for me trying to learn about the Quaker faith and history.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very informative

a. · June 10, 2018

I found it interesting. Lots of information packed into a short space. It is enough to wet the appetite for more if this subject interests you.

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunningly well-written . . .

K. · August 19, 2011

Succinct and outstanding as a work for anyone curious or interested in the Quakers. Pink-Dandelion does exactly what one expects from the title of this book: introduces the reader to Quakerism. History, essential differences, historical figures and their significance, changes over time, and modern day Quaker aspects are all included. What really puts this particular book into a class by itself for me is the author's writing. Easy to read, right to the point, and not an ounce of fat. If I were to select one book for someone wanting to quickly get a handle on who the Quakers are, this might well be the one.

3.0 out of 5 stars Dense

C.H. · April 6, 2019

Good quality book, nothing wrong with it. I needed it for class but I must say, it's very dense and hard to follow.

2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars

R.S. · March 2, 2018

Repetitive and not very deep

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, little intro to Quakerism

P. · July 31, 2012

A good and informative book, particularly having left Quakerism last year. I find the material to shed a lot of light on what I knew or felt to be true of the movement and it also shows how far some groups have strayed from their roots.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent little intro into Quakers (Society of Friends)

A.H. · November 16, 2013

My husband and I have recently started attending a Quaker meeting on Sundays (church services). We wanted to know more about Quakers, and so my husband read the book. I haven't read it yet, but he doesn't write reviews, so I'm writing one for him. He found it to be a quick read that gave him exactly what he wanted, an intro to the Quakers, their beliefs, and history. As a note, the formal name of "Quakers" is the "Society of Friends."

5.0 out of 5 stars Quakers-Friends

S.M. · April 6, 2018

This book about Quakers is clear and surprisingly comprehensive for a small book. It is, as it says, a very good introduction. A good book for Quakers to share with others who are curious, or perhaps unclear on the concept. I do happen to eat oatmeal, but we have nothing else in common with the cereal. It is interesting to learn of the diversity of types of Quakers, and inclusiveness in their beliefs.

Discovery for the time poor and curiosity rich

C. · July 23, 2025

Excellent series that can manage to covey so much with brevity and clarity. If you're curious, open-minded and want to know more about a topic without having to 'study' it - I highly recommend this (these) book(s)

Leitura básica

R.B. · November 10, 2020

Interessante leitura introdutória a respeito dos quakers, principalmente devido a ausência de material a respeito em português. Autor honesto, oferece não apenas uma visão idealizada a respeito dos quakers.

très complet

y.c. · December 19, 2019

Concis et très fouillé. Excellente bibliographie. Mon exemplaire est malheureusement défectueux, une partie des pages est brochée à l'envers, tête en bas, et donc progression de lecture à l'envers du livre... Ca arrive!

Introducing the Quakers – their past, present and possible future

A. · January 5, 2015

This book covers the Quakers, including their historical origins in the 17th century, their modern developments, and also a little outlook on „The future of Quakerism“. The „Society of Friends“ is probably most visible as pacifists, and was awarded a Nobel Prize for Peace in 1947 for this commitment.The book points to four main characteristics uniting Quakers: direct encounter with the divine and revelation over scripture and teaching, corporate direct guidance and resulting vote-less decisioning, spiritual equality, and preference for peace and pacifism (p. 2/ 118).Particular attention is given to their interpretation of worship, belief, and „theology“. Quakers originally identified as the „true Church“ (p. 10), and the more recent differences in positions found within the Quakers are perplexing, as the group has differentiated into an evangelical, conservative, and liberal branch which have made specific positions their own (e. g. on priesthood, scripture, worship etc). The chapter on theology highlights the common importance of silence for Quakers and the recognised limitations of language as a vehicle for trancendental truth. Abstinence from a dogmatic theology grounds in this central insights.A summary table comparing the different stances of evangelical, conservative, and liberal Quakers makes it easier to keep up with the analysis of these groups through the main text. One interestingly ambiguous aspect is the interpretation of Quakers by themselves either as a form of protestantism, or as a third stream of Christianity apart from Catholicism and Protestantism. Yet within Liberal Quakerism, a theistic or Christian position is not even mandatory. As a result, it becomes pretty hard to pin down what „defines“ Quakers and Quakerism. The text lets citations from original text sources speak and also draws analytical summaries and statements, which are ultimately well balanced.I picked this volume up to get an overview on Quakers after noticing how little I knew about them at the time. It is easy to read and to follow the arguments, and the summary table and time table help to get an overview. As a result, I learned much more about Quakerism than I actually expected. It seems hard to find a better introduction within similar page limits.

It's short and introductory.

J.R. · November 26, 2010

As it says on the tin this book was short and introductory. It had some nice images too and provided a history of the Quaker movement. However it did leave me wanting to find out more information. However as an introduction it served its purpose and excelled too.

The Quakers: A Very Short Introduction

Product ID: U0199206791
Condition: New

4.1

AED10590

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Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

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|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

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Imported From: United States

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The Quakers: A Very Short Introduction

Product ID: U0199206791
Condition: New

4.1

The Quakers: A Very Short Introduction-0
Type: Paperback

AED10590

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

Here is the perfect introductory guide to the history and ideas of the Quakers, one of the world's most fascinating and enigmatic religious groups. Emerging in England in the 1650s as a radical sect challenging the status quo, the Quakers are now best known for their anti-slavery activities, their principled stance against war, and their pioneering work in penal reform. Famous Quakers include Thomas Paine, Walt Whitman, Lucretia Mott, Herbert Hoover, James Dean, Judi Dench, and A.S. Byatt. And while the group still maintains a distinctive worship method to achieve a direct encounter with God, which has been at the heart of the movement since its beginning, Quakers today are highly diverse: some practice a protestant evangelicalism, others are no longer Christian. In this generously illustrated book, Pink Dandelion, the leading expert on Quaker Studies, draws on the latest scholarship to chart the history of the sect and its present-day diversity around the world, exploring its unique approach to worship, belief, theology and language, and ecumenism. It concludes by placing the Quakers in the wider religious picture and predicting its future.

About the Series: Oxford's Very Short Introductions offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, and Literary Theory to History. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given topic. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how it has developed and influenced society. Whatever the area of study, whatever the topic that fascinates the reader, the series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.


Editorial Reviews

Book Description

An engaging guide to the principles and practices of the Quakers around the world from their inception to the present day

About the Author

"Ben" Pink Dandelion is a Reader in Quaker Studies and directs the work of the Centre for Postgraduate Quaker Studies, Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre and the University of Birmingham. He is the author of numerous books on the Quakers including The Liturgies of Quakerism and Introduction to Quakerism and edits the journal Quaker Studies.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to Quakerism

L. · September 30, 2024

This tiny book was very helpful for me trying to learn about the Quaker faith and history.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very informative

a. · June 10, 2018

I found it interesting. Lots of information packed into a short space. It is enough to wet the appetite for more if this subject interests you.

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunningly well-written . . .

K. · August 19, 2011

Succinct and outstanding as a work for anyone curious or interested in the Quakers. Pink-Dandelion does exactly what one expects from the title of this book: introduces the reader to Quakerism. History, essential differences, historical figures and their significance, changes over time, and modern day Quaker aspects are all included. What really puts this particular book into a class by itself for me is the author's writing. Easy to read, right to the point, and not an ounce of fat. If I were to select one book for someone wanting to quickly get a handle on who the Quakers are, this might well be the one.

3.0 out of 5 stars Dense

C.H. · April 6, 2019

Good quality book, nothing wrong with it. I needed it for class but I must say, it's very dense and hard to follow.

2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars

R.S. · March 2, 2018

Repetitive and not very deep

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, little intro to Quakerism

P. · July 31, 2012

A good and informative book, particularly having left Quakerism last year. I find the material to shed a lot of light on what I knew or felt to be true of the movement and it also shows how far some groups have strayed from their roots.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent little intro into Quakers (Society of Friends)

A.H. · November 16, 2013

My husband and I have recently started attending a Quaker meeting on Sundays (church services). We wanted to know more about Quakers, and so my husband read the book. I haven't read it yet, but he doesn't write reviews, so I'm writing one for him. He found it to be a quick read that gave him exactly what he wanted, an intro to the Quakers, their beliefs, and history. As a note, the formal name of "Quakers" is the "Society of Friends."

5.0 out of 5 stars Quakers-Friends

S.M. · April 6, 2018

This book about Quakers is clear and surprisingly comprehensive for a small book. It is, as it says, a very good introduction. A good book for Quakers to share with others who are curious, or perhaps unclear on the concept. I do happen to eat oatmeal, but we have nothing else in common with the cereal. It is interesting to learn of the diversity of types of Quakers, and inclusiveness in their beliefs.

Discovery for the time poor and curiosity rich

C. · July 23, 2025

Excellent series that can manage to covey so much with brevity and clarity. If you're curious, open-minded and want to know more about a topic without having to 'study' it - I highly recommend this (these) book(s)

Leitura básica

R.B. · November 10, 2020

Interessante leitura introdutória a respeito dos quakers, principalmente devido a ausência de material a respeito em português. Autor honesto, oferece não apenas uma visão idealizada a respeito dos quakers.

très complet

y.c. · December 19, 2019

Concis et très fouillé. Excellente bibliographie. Mon exemplaire est malheureusement défectueux, une partie des pages est brochée à l'envers, tête en bas, et donc progression de lecture à l'envers du livre... Ca arrive!

Introducing the Quakers – their past, present and possible future

A. · January 5, 2015

This book covers the Quakers, including their historical origins in the 17th century, their modern developments, and also a little outlook on „The future of Quakerism“. The „Society of Friends“ is probably most visible as pacifists, and was awarded a Nobel Prize for Peace in 1947 for this commitment.The book points to four main characteristics uniting Quakers: direct encounter with the divine and revelation over scripture and teaching, corporate direct guidance and resulting vote-less decisioning, spiritual equality, and preference for peace and pacifism (p. 2/ 118).Particular attention is given to their interpretation of worship, belief, and „theology“. Quakers originally identified as the „true Church“ (p. 10), and the more recent differences in positions found within the Quakers are perplexing, as the group has differentiated into an evangelical, conservative, and liberal branch which have made specific positions their own (e. g. on priesthood, scripture, worship etc). The chapter on theology highlights the common importance of silence for Quakers and the recognised limitations of language as a vehicle for trancendental truth. Abstinence from a dogmatic theology grounds in this central insights.A summary table comparing the different stances of evangelical, conservative, and liberal Quakers makes it easier to keep up with the analysis of these groups through the main text. One interestingly ambiguous aspect is the interpretation of Quakers by themselves either as a form of protestantism, or as a third stream of Christianity apart from Catholicism and Protestantism. Yet within Liberal Quakerism, a theistic or Christian position is not even mandatory. As a result, it becomes pretty hard to pin down what „defines“ Quakers and Quakerism. The text lets citations from original text sources speak and also draws analytical summaries and statements, which are ultimately well balanced.I picked this volume up to get an overview on Quakers after noticing how little I knew about them at the time. It is easy to read and to follow the arguments, and the summary table and time table help to get an overview. As a result, I learned much more about Quakerism than I actually expected. It seems hard to find a better introduction within similar page limits.

It's short and introductory.

J.R. · November 26, 2010

As it says on the tin this book was short and introductory. It had some nice images too and provided a history of the Quaker movement. However it did leave me wanting to find out more information. However as an introduction it served its purpose and excelled too.

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “General”