Autobiographical Writings by Early Quaker Women

David Booy was Senior Lecturer in English at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK.

• Contents: Preface; Glossary; Introduction: openings in the light; Katharine Evans and Sarah Cheevers: A true account of the great tryals and cruel sufferings (excerpt); Elizabeth Hooton: an account of her experiences during her visits to New England,1661 and 1663-65/6; Mary Penington: A brief account of some of my Exercise from my Childhood; 'Testimony concerning her dear husband' (excerpt); A Letter from me, to my Dear Grandchild Springet Penn (excerpt); Alice Curwen: A relation of the labour, travail and suffering (excerpt); Elizabeth Andrews: An account of the birth, and education, with the services and sufferings for the truth's sake (excerpt); Elizabeth Stirredge: Strength in weakness manifest (excerpt); Margaret Fell: A relation of Margaret Fell (excerpt); 'The testimony...concerning...George Fox' (excerpt); The examination and trial of Margaret Fell (excerpt); Anne Docwra: An apostate-conscience exposed (excerpt); Alice Hayes: A legacy, or widow's mite (excerpt); Elizabeth Webb: A letter...to Anthony William Boehm (excerpt); James Dickinson and Jane Fearon: 'A Memorable Instance of Divine Guidance and Protection'; References and selected further reading; References to Books of the Bible; Index.

'This collection includes excerpts from eleven women, many of which have not been published 'in modern times'. They have all been freshly edited and have been provided with footnotes for those unfamiliar with common biblical references or 17th century English vocabulary... The remaining eight documents, some of which have been unavailable outside of specialized libraries, are a delight to have... this book can be of great interest to a discerning Quaker reader, even if that was not the primary purpose of the author.' Friends Journal '... useful and illuminating providing an accessible source of varied texts for learning to read early modern self-writings.' Quaker Studies