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This brilliant study shows the pivotal role the Quakers played in the origins and development of America's family ideology. Levy argues that the Quakers brought a new vision of family and social life to America--one that contrasted sharply with the harsh, formal world of the New England Puritans. The Quakers stressed affection, friendship and hospitality, the importance of women in the home, and the value of self-disciplined, non-coercive childrearing. This book explains how and why the Quakers have had such a profound cultural impact on America and what the Quakers' experience with their own radical family system tells us about American families. ... Read more

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An insightful study of early domesticity in American life
Exploring, in detail, the evolution of Quaker cohorts from the mid-seventeenth to the mid-eighteenth century, Levy produces a thorough and novel study of early Anglo-American culture in eastern Pennsylvania.His premise seeks to unravel traditional arguments, which advance the belief that New England served as the primary model, and the origin, for the modern American household.Levy convincingly argues that domestic systems developed through the Quaker families, and not New Englanders, who emigrated from northwestern England.There practices, he contends, shaped the modern American familial landscape and solidified the domestic household.The study, according to Levy, "of Quaker Farmers in the Delaware Valley is chiefly the study of the origins of an influential form of domesticity in American life." (21)

The opening chapters detail the subtle, but important, distinctions between Puritans and Quakers.The former, according to Levy, focused on patriarchy and institutions while the latter emphasized the importance of women in the household, child rearing, and "sanctifying human relations and domestic arraignments in households and meetings."(50)Levy continues to develop the aforementioned arguments throughout his work, and weaves a cohesive, but sometimes dense, narrative that adequately ties Quaker family practices to those adopted by American households today.

Most interesting is Levy's discussion of land in the Quaker community, which focused on the distribution of land to Quakers children, especially their sons.According to the author, about "three hundred acres would seem to ensure to their children's households protection from `the world' and enough peace to enjoy and exemplify the `Truth.'"(137)In a somewhat whimsical follow- up, the author noted that "Puritan farmers left land and not advice."(151)The importance of land in early Quaker culture underscores the national satisfaction that American contemporaries enjoy in land ownership.The author eloquently ties the aforementioned historical landscapes together, and provides a solid argument that Quaker's at least, in some fashion, molded American interest in private land ownership.

Another fascinating aspect of this work is Levy's careful attention to the role of females in Quaker communities.According to the author, women provided a pivotal familial dynamic which was central to the progression of Quakerism.In short, he noted that the Quaker social order "needed expert, hard- working female vessels of seemingly meek purity to embody and communicate `holy conversation' in intimate and public relations." (221) The evidence presented by the author is compelling, that Quaker woman shaped the nuclear family, and thus shaped contemporary American households.

The illustrations in the work supplement, and enhance the author's thematic concentration on Quaker domesticity, especially the oil and canvas sketches by Edward Hicks and Thomas Hillborn.The statistics, while adequate, are less supportive to the author's conclusion and their placement, along with the footnotes, at the end of the work prove to be a minor distraction to the reader.

This work is appropriate for both the colonial novices and experts, and those who have an appreciation for genealogical and religious studies.A really well written and well argued work that lends credence to the hypothesis that the modern American household was shaped more by the Quakers than the Puritans.

Quaker Origins of U.S. Ideal of Family Life
First rate social history.

In spite of the mid-eighteenth-century crisis and subsequent decline of Quakerism in Pennsylvania after the American Revolution, the importance of domesticity in the lives of the Pennsylvania Quakers was fundamental to all other aspects of Quaker society, and has had a far-reaching impact on American family life well beyond the colonial era. Quakers (as opposed to New England Puritan emphasis on patriarchy, or the importance of public order and display for the Anglicans) intentionally created the model for the "modern" American family ideal of domesticity for the new republic. While this child-centered, economically and morally self-sufficient model thrived in Pennsylvania from 1681 until the 1750s, its influenceextended well beyond the eastern seaboard colonies and the eighteenth century. It became the model for the later and larger national expansion of the American republic.

Quaker domesticity shaped Pennsylvania's tendencies towards pluralism and republicanism. But it is ironic that the universalization of the Quaker family model coincided with the decline of Quakerism and the rise of a secular republican ideology lauded by various Enlightenment philosophes. "While the separation of church and state was the dominant trend in Anglo-American society, the Quakers actually increased the conflation of Quaker church and Pennsylvania state during the eighteenth century" (p. 155). While political Whigs held Quakers and their pacifism in contempt during the American Revolution, the fall of Quaker political hegemony in Pennsylvania led to a correlation between the private virtue embodied in their form of family life, and the non-authoritarian public virtue of republican political ideology.Pennsylvania's commercial economy and "liberal" society were touted as the model for the new American republic, and it was hoped that it would spread to both New England and the South.In essence, Quaker family ideals were distilled into a source for American culture in general. "The Pennsylvania Quakers originated and established the institution of the morally self-sufficient household in American society" (p. 22). Hence, the modern, Western, child-centered, conjugal, nuclear family as idealized and desperately needed today.

My 4 instead of 5 star rating (it rates a 4.5) is based on the
minor quibble that Levy ignores the downsides of 18th century Quaker family life, and does not explain why if everything was so nurturing and "free," so many Quaker children left the fold and out-married non-Quakers, and hence were banished from the Society of Friends.

For more on the long-term national cultural influence of colonial Quakerism readers should seek out David Hackett Fisher's book, "Albion's Seed." ... Read more

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16-page section of 32 b/w photos5 maps6 x 9 Includes Henry Simmons's 1799 journalThis account of a 1799 Quaker mission to a Seneca village in northwestern Pennsylvania is based on the journal of Henry Simmons and offers a captivating look at Seneca culture of the period-their festivals and games, division of labor, and fascinating cult of dreams, which affected many of their actions.The perceptive Chief Cornplanter, realizing that his people must adapt to new social and economic patterns, welcomed the Quakers as teachers, not so much for their religion, but for their knowledge of agriculture. The interactions between the two groups brought on conflicts among the Senecas and new developments in their culture, among them the rise of the powerful prophet Handsome Lake and his Longhouse religion. The author shows how Simmons and Cornplanter each attained a grasp of the other's religion, politics, and lifestyles and were able to mutually achieve their goals by finding the similarities and utilizing them.David Swatzler is a professional writer who lives in Cooperstown, Pennsylvania. ... Read more

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A book about Indian Peace, not Indian Wars
This book is fantastic and covers so many topics so thoroughly, it is hard to choose just one thing as the best part.The author tells about the Quakers, their history and beliefs, about the Iroquois and their history of war and land loss, as well as giving a rare glimpse into everyday life in the 1700's--games, religious festivals, feasts, mythology.The story of the interaction of the groups as they get to know each other and explore their similarities and differences is sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and the author even includes a glimpse into the religious and social implications of the interaction for the Indians.The story of Handsome Lake is particularly well-told.At the end of the book, I felt that I understood the whole vast episode, and I even had a certain fondness for Henry Simmons, the irascible Quaker.His entire 1799 journal, which is a wonderful read, is included as an appendix, and is worth the price of the book. ... Read more

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Mainly from East and West Nottingham Meetings, Little Britain Meeting, Deer Creek Meeting, Eastland Meeting and the Octorara Meeting. ... Read more

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This collection of letters, written by Elizabeth Margaret Chandler to her family during her brief stay in Michigan, provides a remarkable view of the Northwest frontier in the 1830s, as well as insights into the ideology and origins of abolitionism. ... Read more

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Not so sure
I read this book after speaking with the author at an event in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I was a little disappointed to see how little work she had actually done -- the bulk of the book is the letters of Chandler -- and the part that Heringa Mason wrote was sloppily written and/or edited. Among other things, she attributes an event from 1914 to the 19th Century, and then suggests that the archaic diagnosis of "Phrenitis" was most likely a migraine. Phrenitis -- by today's medicine -- would most likely refer to meningitis or encephalitis, not a migraine. While these errors may appear minor, there are larger gaps in the book's citations. For example, note 48 states: "Studies on marriage during this period have indicated that . . . " Nowhere does the author indicate what studies she is referring to, so we must take her conclusions on faith.

If the author deserves any credit, it is for convincing someone to publish the letters. Just skip the intro and the endnotes.

A first-hand glimpse into a fascinating pioneer life
Compiled and edited by museum administrator Marcia Mason, Remember The Distance That Divides Us: The Family Letters Of Philadelphia Quaker Abolitionist And Michigan Pioneer Elizabeth Margaret Chandler 1830-1842 is the true story of a middle-class woman who left behind privelege in her early 20's to head into the wilderness of Michigan Territory with her brother and aunt. She became an enthusiastic abolitionist and activist for four years, until her unfortunate death four years later. Her literate and inspirational correspondence, most of which was written to family members during her years in Michigan, has been straightforwardly transcribed and presented, along with a smattering of letters from other family members concerning her life. Her tireless contribution to the abolitionist cause as well as her remarkable contributions has caused her to be viewed as a precursor to the more well-known Grimke sisters. A first-hand glimpse into a fascinating pioneer life.

Collected letters by and to early woman abolitionist
Numerous letters to and from Elizabeth Margaret Chandler not only provide incomparable knowledge about the early days of the abolitionist movement, but also American Midwestern society of the time. One of the appendices is a list of the household effects relating to Chandler. But the book is of interest mostly for the sympathies and activities of the young Elizabeth Chandler regarding the issue of abolition. She died in 1834 before she was 30. The letters are written in the now-archaic language used by the Quakers of the time--e. g., "I thank thee my dear Elizabeth for thy large sheet or sheets so well filled for I believe there are several of thy letters yet unanswered by me...," from a lengthy letter by Chandler's aunt to her. The length of many of the letters, which go on for three or more pages, imparts to an exceptional degree the thoughts and activities of the individuals as well as their relationships with others. In her short life spent mostly in Michigan, Chandler contributed much to raising the consciousness of the region about the issue of abolition. The founder of the Logan Female Antislavery Society, she is also seen as an early activist in the fledgling women's movement. When she died, some individuals were moved to write poems about her. These are included in another appendix. The voluminous and varied materials brought together with editor Mason's deft sense of organization and worthiness is not only an invaluable source book on the little-known but influential Chadler; but it is a rich picture of individuals and their involvement in a major social issue of the time as well as their ordinary, daily activities and concerns. From the length and depth of the letters of Chandler and others she communicated with, the reader becomes involved with them as if they were subjects of a biography or characters in a historical novel.
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The last forty years has witnessed a 'golden age' of Quaker Studies scholarship, with the bulk of this work into the history and sociology of Quakerism being undertaken by scholars who are also Quakers. For the scholars involved, their Quakerism has both prompted their research interests and affected their lives as Quakers.

This book presents a unique study into Quakerism: it draws together the key theories of Quaker origins, subsequent history, and contemporary sociology, into a single volume; and it allows each of the contributors the opportunity to reflect on what led to the initial choice of research topic, and how their findings have in turn affected their Quaker lives.The result is a unique contribution to Quaker theory as well to the discussion on insider/outsider research.This book is invaluable to anyone interested in Quakerism, research into religion, notions of outsider objectivity within academia, and areas of theology, religious history and sociology in general. ... Read more

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This study in Irish commercial and industrial history has as its core theme the Richardsons of Bessbrook, Co. Armagh, one of the several Irish Quaker families of Ulster and the Lagan valley who were involved in the linen industry from the seventeenth to the twentieth century. The Richardson linen-spinning enterprise at Bessbrook was set up as the Great Famine of 1845-49 threatened. In their purposebuilt town they endeavoured to promote the best conditions for their workers, as well as for the productivity of their firm. Although this study is primarily a business history, the introduction brings out the philanthropic and physical background of Bessbrook. John G. Richardson its founder, was a promoter of temperance and his son, James N. Richardson III, was elected in 1880, as Liberal MP for Co. Armagh. ... Read more

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Anyone wanting to gain an insight into the range of Quaker beliefs would do well to read this engaging anthology of Quaker experience. I was very moved by the honesty and openness of the contributors on such thorny questions as pacifism, evil, simplicity and their understanding of God. Harvey Gillman, author of A Light that is Shining. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Personal reflections on Quaker themes
This is an easy to read and interesting book, despite the rather weak praise on the back cover from Don Cupitt ("I commend this book warmly"). It consists of short pieces by twelve different Quaker writers on themes including pacifism, evil, simplicity, the nature of God, meeting for worship and more. Each theme is a new chapter with twelve numbered reflections; this arrangement worked in part but I found myself wanting to know who had written which piece, especially as I sometimes thought I was reading a piece by a man and was surprised to discover comments such as "when I was pregnant..." I wasn't sure if the pieces were always in the same order of author and so couldn't get a sense of continuity of one contributor's particular thought, although this was possibly the point.

The writings were generally of a high standard, not written in theological language but providing a flavour of the thoughts and beliefs of the different quakers contributing. The book could be used as a devotional and certainly gave me a new insight into the Religious Society of Friends. What I particularly liked was the contributors' willingness to say when they were unsure about something or when issues were hard, and particularly appreciated the quotation given from one of the Quaker texts: "respect that of God in everyone... avoid hurtful criticism and provocative language... think it possible that you may be mistaken."

This is a book that would provide helpful insight and food for thought for Christians of all denominations but it does focus on some particularly Quaker ideas (meeting for worship and pacifism, for example) which may mean it is more popular amongst Quakers. However it's a worthwhile read for anyone who wants to consider their spirituality further. ... Read more

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The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Quakers/ Anecdotes/ Juvenile literature; Quakers/ Biography/ Juvenile literature; Society of Friends/ Anecdotes/ Juvenile literature; Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / General; Biography ... Read more

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Are Quakers Christian? Is it possiblefor Quakerism to be both Christian andUniversalist? These are just two of thequestions which form the starting point forthis book. In exploring them, it becomesclear that they cannot be answered inisolation for they are linked to a wholecomplex of questions about Jesus, God andthe nature of human living.So it becomes necessary to engage intheology. But for Quakers this must be froma distinctively Quaker standpoint whichseeks to be both undogmatic and concernedwith practical issues. Most of all it must begrounded in our corporate experience ofGod.Janet Scott attempts to begin this process.She explores what we may say about Jesusand about God, sets out one way in whichQuakerism may be both Christian andUniversalist, and points out areas needingfurther discussion. ... Read more

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Using illustrations from his own life, Robert Smith teaches us how Quakerism can help us lead simpler, more meaningful and more useful lives. ... Read more

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