Charles Stevenson (1)

From the Foreword by William Oats: "Charles Stevenson has been most thorough in his research, but he brings that research to life through his concern to portray characters in action. His flair for intimate anecdote adds to the interest of his narrative.
"There was good reason for the Quaker fledgling colony in the early days of South Australia to be hailed as 'the Pennsylvania of the South'. Even if that promise was not fulfilled, the influence of the early Quaker pioneers on Australian Quaker history stemmed from the quality of their individual and family life. These pioneers too played a significant part in the history of the colony and indeed in the development of Australia.
"My first contact with Quakers was with Frederick Coleman. Quakers do not think in terms of prototypes, but I looked upon him as one who expressed for me what Quakerism means. He was a major reason for my decision to seek membership.
"Charles Stevenson, by telling the story of the lives of South Australian Quakers such as Frederick Coleman, will give others a reason for saying, 'Is that what it means to be a Quaker?'"… (mehr)