A Quest There Is

by Elizabeth Gray Vining

A collection of quips, short stories, poetry and biographical information by and about little-known writers.

29 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Elizabeth Gray Vining began her distinguished writing career with children's books because she said "they enjoy their books so much, read and re-read them—which is satisfying to a hard-working author." Later she began to write for adults as well, and they, too, read and re-read her books. among the most popular of these books are Windows for the Crown Prince, The Virginia Exiles, Friend of Life, Take Heed of Loving Me, and Flora.
—From the back of "Return To Japan"
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Elizabeth Janet Gray, also known as Elizabeth Gray Vining, was a prominent Quaker, known for having gone to Japan after World War II to tutor Emperor Akihito of Japan in English while he was the Crown Prince. She was a graduate of Bryn Mawr College, and a noted author of children's and adult literature. She won the Newbery Award for Adam of the Road, published in 1942.

Reviews

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work resulted from requests for a sequel to the author's popular The World in Tune. This, among the Pendle Hill Pamphlet series, covers topics reflective of Quaker spirituality, while echoing aspirations of persons of diverse faith.

Vining herself, who had an avid interest in Quaker history and spirituality, was an Episcopalian. Her life as a young widow, avid writer, and tutor to the Crown Prince of Japan is mirrored in the topics she chose to present. The general approach is to begin with a selection from one of her favorite sages and, then, to expound on it.

Devotional, or inspirational, can easily be misread sentimental, even shallow. This is not such a work, but devotional in appealing to the heart through the mind. This anthology will appeal to persons who enjoy a devotion that finds inspiration in religious diversity and appreciation of an intellectual, nondogmatic faith. In this sense, A Quest There Is mirrors the spirit of the Society of Friends.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fine Goodreads review of this book by a gentleman named Brian is much better than any that I might write. I will only add that I appreciated the introduction to the poems and excerpts Vining selected as well as her notes accompanying each. This was a nice pamphlet to be allowed to influence my thoughts over several days rather than take in during a single reading.