Introductory to Contemporary Quakerism

The Friendly Guide

A Light that is Shining, by Harvey Gillman: an introduction to Quakers, from the light that guided them at their origins, to the present day; £5.00, P&P £0.85(3).

Portrait in Grey, by John Punshon; a good history of Quakerism, mainly British; £7.75, P&P £0.85(3).

Yours in Friendship, by Richard Allen; a series of letters that introduce Quakerism to new attenders; £5.00, P&P £0.80(3).

Coming Home, by Gerald Priestland; deals with many questions raised by those seeking to find out whether Quakerism is the path they wish to follow; £3.00, P&P £0.50(3).

Now We Are Quakers, Alastair Heron; the experiences and views of new members; £3.50; P&P £0.80(3).

Pictorial Guide to the Quaker Tapestry, EH Milligan; Quaker spiritual insights and history illustrated in 77 colourful embroidered panels; £12.95 P&P £1.50(3).

Current Practice

Quaker Faith and Practice, Britain Yearly Meeting; £9.50, P&P £3.00(3).

Faith in Action, Jonathan Dale; the author hopes to inspire readers to think more on how we live out our beliefs in our lives and develop a culture of mutual accountability; £10, P&P £1.50(3).

Philosophy, Belief

A Testament of Devotion, Thomas R Kelly; deeply inspirational essays urging us to centre our lives on God's presence, find a quiet and stillness within modern life, and discover inner peace; £9.00, P&P £1.00(3).

What Jesus Means to Me, Friends Quarterly; a number of Friends speak of what Jesus means to them as a lived experience; £5.00, P&P £0.60(3).

Invitation of a Deeper Communion, Marcelle Martin; contemporary Friends seeking a deeper communion with God in worship, and early Friends experiencing the Divine Power and Presence in their meetings for worship; £2.75, P&P £0.60(3).

Historical

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Martin Lynn's 'Encouintering the Light'

The book "Encountering the Light: a journey taken" has been published by Sessions of York, Huntington Road, York, YO31 9HS, England. Their web-site is worth a look at http://www.sessionsofyork.co.uk/books/intro.html and the specific reference to this book is at http://www.sessionsofyork.co.uk/books/rel_qkr.html. The book is available from them at £5.00, and for post and packing you add £2.50 in the UK for 1 book and £2 additionally per book for 2 or more. Overseas it is £3.80p by surface mail.

The Richardsons of Bessbrook - Ulster Quakers in the linen industry (1845-1921) By Richard S Harrison. Using, among other sources, the large holdings of manuscript business material held at the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland, this work traces the evolution of the Ulster linen industry through three generations of the Richardson family - one of the several Irish Quaker families who were involved in the industry. In their purpose-built 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.

There are a few copies available at the historical Library, but it can also be ordered at originalwriting.ie.

Merchants, Mystics & Philanthropists - 350 Years of Cork Quakers By Richard S Harrison. The year 2005 marked the 350th anniveristy of the arrival of Quakers in the city of Cork. Bearing in mind that the year also marked the selection of the city as 'European City of Culture', the Cork Monthly Meeting undertook to publish this history as providing an oppurtunity to reaffiem its historic Quaker links in twenty first centuary Cork. The 200 pages include much biographical detail and some anecdotal vignettes, where these old Quakers 'let their lives speak', in the here and now.

Merchants, Mystics and Philanthropists

Copies are available from Cork Meeting, contact Larry Southard, 021 4886541, €20;
Or by post - contact Ben Russell (benr at esatclear dot ie)
€26.50 incl postage to anywhere in Ireland + €9 if registered
€28 incl postage to Europe + €11.50 if registered
€32 incl postage to rest of world + €35 if registered

100 Years and More - A History of Friends in Portadown 1655-2005by Arthur G Chapman; although the Meeting House in Portadown is only 100 years old, Friends have been active in the area for three and a half centuries. 72 pages, including many illustrations, 8 of which are in full colour. Price £7 plus P&P from Friends Meeting House, Portmore St, Portadown, Co Armagh or €10 plus P&P €2.50, €3.25 UK Europe, from Historical Library, Quaker House, Stocking Lane, Dublin 16.

History of the Religious Society of Friends in Lurgan, by Arthur G Chapman. The first Quaker Meeting in Ireland was established in Lurgan in 1654. Tells of the contribution Friends have made to the district over three and a half centuries. 73 pages illustrated (170g). €6.00, P+P €2.50 Ir, €3.25 GB Eur.

The Quaker Meeting Houses of Ireland, by David M Butler (published 2004); an account of some 150 meeting houses and 100 burial grounds in Ireland, from 1654 to the present time, with a guide to sources and much additional explanatory and anecdotal information.

The Beginnings of Quakerism in 17th Century Ireland, by John M Douglas; an address given at the Tercentenary Conference in 1954. It examines the religious and historical background of the first fifty years and gives an explanation as to how, while the Society grew and survived, its numbers remained relatively small. Price €3.00, P+P Ireland €2, GB Eur €2.50 (1)

The Irish Quakers, a short history by Maurice Wigham, Now in its second edition, this book provides an outline history of the Society of Friends in Ireland and an introduction to Quakerism in general. The author, born into a Dublin Quaker family, was a teacher all his life and headmaster of Newtown School for 17 years. 170 pages with illustrations. (Paperback 260g). €10.00, £6.50, P+P Ireland €3.50, GB Eur €4.50 (1)

Transactions of the Central Relief Committee of The Religious Society of Friends during the Famine in Ireland in 1846 & 1847; a classic record of practicalities and an assessment of the lessons learned, both humanitarian and political. The Committee published its report in 1852. Republished in 1995 with an index added. Giving the full story of the Committee's work during the famine years and afterwards. (1.1kg) €35.00(2); P&P €7 Ir, €10 GB Eur.

A Suitable Channel - Quaker Relief in the Great Famine; Robin Goodbody. In researching the tapestry booklet the author found far more material than could be included in the space available. The extra material has been used here to good effect in telling the story of the Central Relief Committee and other Quaker involvement in famine relief. 99 pages illustrated (250g). €9.00, £6.00, P+P Ireland €2.50, GB Eur 3.25 (1)

Quaker Relief Work in Ireland's Great Hunger; Robin Goodbody. One of the seventy seven panels of the Quaker Tapestry depicts the potato famine of 1846-49. This booklet of 30 pages was commissioned by Quaker Tapestry Booklets. It summarizes the work done by the Central Relief Committee and explains the tapestry panel picture. 32 pages illustrated (80g). €3.50, £2.25, P&P Ireland €2.00, GB Eur €2.50 (1).

Friends and 1798: Quaker witness to non-violence, Glynn Douglas. Quaker witness to non-violence in 18th Century Ireland. A collection of contemporary records and personal recollections of members of the Society of Friends of the 1798 uprising. 95 pages illustrated (240g). €10.15, £7.00, P&P Ireland €2.50, GB Eur €3.25(1).

Peace Testimony

Founders' Writings

Biographical (Irish)

Activists in concerns dear to Quakers are here, in anti-slavery, prison reform, famine relief, anti-hanging and temperance. Whilst many English and American Quakers are remembered internationally, Irish Quakers are mainly of significance in Irish history, but even then they reveal numerous traits shared with a wider Quakerdom, in its emigration patterns, its transatlantic, commercial and philanthropic links.

Richard S. Harrison is a member of the Religious Society of Friends and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. He has written several books on Quaker business and Cork themes.

This book is available at a 10% discount via http://www.fourcourtspress.ie

THE ALLENS Family & Friends: TEN GENERATIONS OF QUAKER ANCESTRY by Clive Allen with Helen Moss.
This book, compiled and researched over a period of 40 years, is a fascinating record of two parts the historical story of the family followed by contemporary anecdotes and a collection of wills and family letters dating back over 350 years.

All sale proceeds will be donated to Irish Quaker Faith in Action (for various projects in Bolivia)

In the latter half of the 17th century, William Allen, a clothier and a member of the Society of Friends, lived and worked in Cork city. The Allens - Family & Friends traces the lives of his descendants down to the present day. Using contemporary sources, it chronicles the persecution of early Quakers and the involvement of the Allen family in the Society. We follow the family through the 18th century and its move to Dublin via Limerick and the establishment of a clothing business in Bridge Street.

In the 19th century, the Allens were closely involved with many reform movements, including the abolition of slavery and the establishment of the Dublin Cholera Hospital. Richard Allen, a philanthropist and social campaigner, was known for his involvement with the temperance movement and the anti-slavery campaign. The book follows Richard to Metz, after the Franco-Prussia War in 1870, and the tragic consequences of his visit.

By the 20th century, many of the family had left the Quakers through marriage outside the Society, resulting in new interests and occupations, such as farming and the textile industry. Travel abroad featured and Margaret Allen's letters from America are a book in themselves. Insightful and informative, her writing is a colourful reflection of the country she visited.

The Allen family had close connections with Newtown School in its early days, connections that continue to this very day.

It is illustrated throughout with colour, black and white photographs, family trees. The book can ordered though Quaker House, Dublin, at €50 + 8.50 P&P.

James & Mary Ellis - background and Quaker Famine Relief in Letterfrack by Joan Johnson. Quaker famine relief in Letterfrack. An account of the Ellis response to the appalling destitution found in Co. Galway when, at the age of 56, James bought land and became a resident landlord in 1849. 81 pages illustrated (300g). €11.50, £7.50, P+P Ireland €3.50, GB Eur €4.50 (1)

A Biographical Dictionary of Irish Quakers by Richard Harrison. The details of 300 Irish Friends from the 350 years of Quakers in Ireland. Biographical details and anecdotes collected over a thirty year period are presented here in readable form. 123 pages (370g). €14.95, £10.00, P+P Ireland €3.50, GB Eur €4.50 (1), also Four Courts Press.

Victor Bewley's Memoirs, by Fiona Murdoch(4). The life story of a well-known Dublin Friend (1912-1999) as told to his granddaughter, revealing a sensitive man with a quiet determination to help others. The account includes his involvement with and vision for the family business, work with the underprivileged and in particular the Travelling community. €11, P+P €2.50 Ir, €3.25 GB Eur.

Senator James G Douglas, ed J Anthony Gaughan; businessman, Quaker and nationalist, his involvement in the events of 1916 -1926; UCD Press(6); see review.

Reminiscences of Sean Harrington 1900-1976, Editor C B Lamb. Reminiscences of a war of independence veteran, who joined the IRA and rose to become a Section Commander. Becoming interested in pacifism he discovered Friends and joined the Society in 1943. 36 A5 pages (90g). €4.50 P&P €2.00 Ir, €2.50 GB Eur (1).

‘Testimony of a Whatnot’; an autobiography by Elizabeth Pritchard.

Published by the Home Mission Committee – Ulster Quarterly Meeting

The autobiography of a Lancashire girl, born into Edwardian England, who answered the call to be a Christian Missionary in India; in a lifetime of 96 years she was to witness the turmoil and changes from British Raj to independence, and this largely viewed from a remote dispensary in poverty stricken Bihar. Her gift for writing conveys the nature of the times, a love of India, a selfless dedication to service, and a very deep faith; it is a story which might make the reader query modern values.

Other Biographical

Elizabeth Fry, by June Rose; shows the human side of the well-known prison reformer; £9.50, P&P £1.25(3).

Prison pioneer: Elizabeth Fry, by June Rose; £2.00, P&P £0.60(5).

Quakers in Science and Industry, Arthur Raistrick; the fascinating story of enterprising, energetic and industrious Friends, their successes and failures; £10.00, P&P £3.30(3)

Ringing true - the Quaker Bells of Trummery 1657-2007, Bill Jackson. Traces various lines of the Bell family over 350 years, with historical notes and many anecdotes. The descendants of Archibald Bell were tanners, cotton and linen bleachers and spinners; covers 1798, the Famine and WW1; their constancy as Friends; emigration to Cuba, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Private publication. Limited number of copies available at €24 plus P&P €5.50 IR, €7.00 GB Eur (1). (See review)

Quakers in Business

W & R Jacob, 150 years of biscuit making; by Séamas Ó Maitiú (6)

Portlaw & the Malcomsons by Desmond Neill. A 19th Century Quaker Enterprise based on a model village. The Malcomson mill village of 1825 preceded the planned villages of Bessbrook and Sion Mills in Ulster and may have influenced the plans for Bournville. Occasional paper No 1 - 16 pages (50g). €3.00, £2.00 P+P €2.00, €2.50 GB Eur (1).

The Shipping Murphys* by Cornelius F Smith; the story of the Palgrave Murphy Shipping Line 1850-1926, which has numerous references to Quaker shipowners; Euro 30 (6)

Thomas Edmondson and the Dublin Laundry*, a Quaker businessman 1837-1908, by Mona Hearn; Irish Academic Press, 236pp HB, NPG (6).

The Story of the Court Laundry by Robert Tweedy. Henry Cecil Watson owned and ran this laundry, located in Harcourt Street, Dublin, from 1907 to 1961. Robert Tweedy was manager for 28 years from 1933. He details the changes in the laundry business and also throws light on the great social change that took place in the period. 159 pages, ISBN 0-86327-756-X (6).

* Reviews of these books are in The Friendly Word, August 2004, Vol 21 Issue 4; a contact procedure for this publication is currently in preparation; in the meantime enquiries should go to the Editor via the contacts page. We are taking steps, where possible, to make reviews available directly, hotlinked via this page.

Availability:

Access to Local Quaker Libraries