First among Friends: George Fox and the Creation of Quakerism

by H. Larry Ingle

In First Among Friends , the first scholarly biography of George Fox (1624-91), H. Larry Ingle examines the fascinating life of the reformation leader and founding organizer of the Religious Society of Friends, more popularly known today as the Quakers.
Ingle places Fox within the upheavals of the English Civil Wars, Revolution, and Restoration, showing him and his band of "rude" disciples challenging the status quo, particularly during the Cromwellian Interregnum. Unlike leaders of similar groups, Fox responded to the conservatism of the Stuart restoration by facing down challenges from internal dissidents, and leading his followers to persevere until the 1689 Act of Toleration. It was this same sense of perseverance that helped the Quakers to survive and remain the only religious sect of the era still existing today.
This insightful study uses broad research in contemporary manuscripts and pamphlets, many never examined systematically before. Firmly grounded in primary sources and enriched with gripping detail, this well-written and original study reveals unknown sides of one who was clearly "First Among Friends."

Genres: Religion, History

407 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Andrew McHenry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good academic biography. It begins, interestingly, with attention to the church catechism that would've been used in Fox's upbringing (with the ironic emphasis on obedience to ecclesial authority). Then it moves into the details of Fox's life, including the location of his family/upbringing, his struggles with depression in young adulthood, his searches for help/answers and failure to find them (particularly from the clergy) - all of this leading to his inner faith experience, and the promulgation of his distinctive Christian teaching. It was interesting to discover how strongly anti-institutional and confrontational he was. It also describes his accumulation of followers, and Quakerism's evolution into institutional form. In the latter part the author gives particular attention to Fox's dealings with controversies within his movement, often highlighting the roots in Quakerism's individualistic origins. He also gives detailed accounts of the experiences of persecution and suffering, and concludes with Fox's death in London in 1691.

This book was intentionally done as a research biography. In the preface the author claims to be trying to fill a void from what is missing in terms of published work. What he's given us is of very good academic quality if not readability. A lot of the paragraphs meander, possibly because the author wants to leave no significant stone unturned. It's hard to follow at times. Readers who are less thorough might do well to skip over the end notes for this reason. The bibliography was also hard to utilize since its sources are distinct from the ones referenced in the notes.

But overall this is a good book. It's helpful for understanding the origins of contemporary Quakerism in more depth - and it's particularly good as an honest exposure of these origins. The author certainly doesn't pass over the uncomfortable details.

[Rhiannon Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A landmark among twentieth century works of Quaker history, notable for the varied assessments it is willing to make of Fox, his strengths and especially his weaknesses.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not what I would call a super enjoyable read. It's a book you read because you want to understand where Quakerism comes from. It that is your purpose, this is a terrific book. It's an original work of religious and cultural history with scrupulous documentation. Highly recommended, if that's what you're into.