The story of ""The Friends"" from 1647 to 1941, which is divided into three sections, The Rise of the Society, The Age of Quietism, and The Modern Revival and Reconstruction. The definitive work on the Society, a biographical history of the people and leaders who played important parts, a social history of England and America, and a commentary on the role churches might play in world -- rather than political -- issues. The author is the Dean Emeritus of the Divinity School at Duke University. An important reference book.