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The Oxford Handbook of Quaker Studies ed. by Stephen W. Angell, Pink Dandelion (review)

Fager explores the extraordinary influence of Progressive Friends in reforming american society in general, he pays particular attention to their transformation of internal Quaker polity from a largely hierarchical structure to a more egalitarian and democratic form. Fager highlights the stories of three influential Progressive Friends who were significant in the emergence of the FGC: Henry Wilbur (1851–1914); Jane rushmore (1864-1958); and Jesse H. Holmes (1864–1942). Fager argues that one of the key mechanisms through which the vision of Progressive Friends came to influence liberal Quakerism was by way of the Uniform Discipline of the FGC, issued in 1926: “By 1930 all the FGC yearly meetings had revised their Disciplines, and all [seven] used the Uniform Discipline as a model” (Remaking Friends, 184). the central points in the Uniform Discipline and in the subsequent yearly meeting Disciplines reflect the vision for reform articulated by Progressive Friends in the 1848 “Basis of religious association” from Waterloo, New york, and in the 1853 “exposition of sentiments” from Longwood: “[F]rom outliers and outcasts, the Progressive Friends and their ideas had become the formative template of twentieth century liberal Quakerism” (Remaking Friends, 184). there are many subthemes in the books, including attention to the longstanding connection of Quakers and spiritualist traditions, Quaker connections to John Brown, and Quakers and the Civil War. Chuck Fager’s signature prophetic voice, calling Quakers to action informed by history, is present throughout both books. His engaging and informal manner of storytelling invites a wide readership. His useful introductions and selection of documents in Angels of Progress draws readers into dialogue with the past. Fager tells this too-little-known story in part in order to inform the present and to help individuals and communities to envision the future. these are excellent books for meeting communities to read and discuss together, as well as for general readers and scholars interested in the history of the society of Friends and in the history of social reform in america.