Friends Divided: Conflict and Division in the Society of Friends

by David E.W. Holden

Paperback

Published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Carl Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonable survey of many of the separations of Friends (in mostly but not entirely North America) over the years with traditional reasons and logic of the break-ups discussed clearly with very little bias. It left me hungry for more about the socio-economic aspects of the conflicts, and of the spiritual difference.

[Elizabeth Mabrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A balanced and interesting look at two very different Founding Fathers

[Jackie Podolski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about Adam's and his personality and his relationship with Jefferson. I also like the balanced approach to both men since often times modern historians will romanticize the man or his ideology through a modern lens which clouds the value and connect of his contribution to society. It also sets up historical figures as good or bad. Holden does not do this.

However, the book loses focus frequently with chapter connect too loosely corresponding to the chapter titles. The focus seemed to shift more often to Adams. The last chapters about the resumption of friendship were strongest and most interesting.