The Quiet Rebels: The Story of the Quakers in America

by Margaret Hope Bacon

A history of the Quakers in America from their first arrival in 1656, shows their early tribulations and the vital role they have played in American society

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Religion, Faith, Christianity

239 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read about 1/4 of the book. Although the book presents some important history about a group which has greatly impacted America's development, it just couldn't keep my attention. At a different time, I probably would have read it through, but I just didn't have the patience.

[Weavre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! ... Even just a few pages in, I was already finding quotes I wanted to keep!

This little book is a quick read but a very good exploration of "The Story of the Quakers in America." Material is included describing Friends General Conference (liberal, silent meetings, mostly in the East), Friends United Meeting (more conservative--in a Quaker context, both programmed and unprogrammed meetings, mostly in the Midwest), and the Evangelical Friends Alliance (evangelical, Christocentric, generally Bible-based programmed meetings primarily in the Midwest and upper West coast). It also describes historic Friends of note, the struggles and character of the Society of Friends as it evolved through time, and the many programs and committees Friends have created to bring about social reform and care for those in need. This isn't an academic text, though; the names and dates are all there, but in the context of many exciting stories of quiet rebellion against disparity and oppression, tales of individuals' stubborn persistence in seeking to right the world's wrongs.

The only imaginable drawback is that Margaret Hope Bacon lacked the means to write about things that hadn't happened yet. Her book was originally written in 1967-68, and while this version was updated in 1985, it covers very little of the last forty years of Quaker history.

[Vasile Jurca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Friends. One of the few branches in the old Christianity tree that can claim to hold with some authority the virtues that all Christians claim to hold, such as tolerance, benevolence, charity, justice without biases towards differences of sex, color, etc. Hope Bacon rushes through the rich and storied history of the Friends in an attempt to provide as complete a picture as possible of the progression and evolution of the Quakers. They were on the right side of history of most social issues, before there was even the flicker of 'right side' or progress in the philosophy of other religions. Although sometimes too harsh in business deals, especially with newly freed blacks, the Quakers were among the first to call for end to slavery, equal rights for all, a voice for women in the public square and the church. The book itself suffers from sloppy editing, but does not detract from the powerful message. Highly recommended as a primer.

[Linda]

This was a wonderful book as a beginner's read of history of Quakers. Now I read more in-depth stuff, but I was a little afraid of history when I started this. It actually started a fire in me for history of my Friends!

[Gregory Broderick]

can't wait to read this

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid overview of Quaker history and practice, including influential figures and defining moments in the history of the Society of Friends.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good summary of Quaker h1story and influence. It's well researched.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it fascinating, though there are points of Quaker history she seemed to gloss over i.e Quaker ship rights participation in the slave trade.

[Brad McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very verbose review is here.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good, readable history of the Quakers.