JohnWoolman was one of the most significant Americans of the eighteenth century, though he was not a famous politician, general, scientist, or man of letters, and he never held public office. This superb book makes it clear why he mattered so much.

 

A humble tailor known at first only to the other Quakers who encountered him at meetings in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New England, Woolman became a prophetic voice for the entire Anglo-American world when he spoke out against the evils of slavery.Thomas P. Slaughter’s deft, dramatic narrative reveals how it was that the mysticWoolman became an unforgettable public figure, his gospel infused with a benign confidence that ordinary people could achieve spiritual perfection. Placing Woolman in the full context of his times, Slaughter paints the portrait of a hero—and not just for the Quakers, social reformers, labor organizers, socialists, and peace advocates who have long admired him.

Praise

“There are a few previously published biographies, but Slaughter’s is by far the most comprehensive, including many fascinating passages about Woolman’s dreams . . . The author walks the line between ‘hagiography and psychological reductionism,’ and there is much to learn here about the spiritual culture of this still-New World as well as the spiritual growth of this remarkable man.” —Susan Salter Reynolds, Los Angeles Times

 

“Brilliantly written and researched . . . An extraordinary biography.” —Douglas Brinkley, Austin American-Statesman, Best Books of 2008

 

“Thoughtful and reflective . . . Thomas P. Slaughter treats Woolman’s dreams, his life, and his death with subtlety and great sympathy . . . He also, intriguingly, allows us to see Woolman as others did not wish to see him . . . As Slaughter carefully and rigorously shows, from one perspective Woolman’s life (both conscious and unconscious) was the story of an increasingly critical consciousness of the world . . . Slaughter suggests that ‘it is the extremes, not the complexities, that provide the man’s measure.’ I may not agree. But that he has written a work both historical and ethical that can make that question a point of debate is quite the accomplishment.” —Michael Meranze, William and Mary Quarterly

 

“A gem of the biographer’s art . . . Thomas P. Slaughter’s stunning achievement is that he makes this man, otherwise so far away, so very real.” —Justin Torres, First Things

 

“We can benefit from a really good secondary source such as Thomas P. Slaughter’s The Beautiful Soul of John Woolman, Apostle of Abolition. Slaughter’s project is all about context and analysis . . . In the end, we do not explain Woolman. He explains us.” —John Benson, Quaker Life

 

“The most ambitious biography of Woolman in two generations. Its strength lies in placing Woolman in the context of the Anglo-American Atlantic world of the mid-18th century . . . Recommended.” —T. D. Hamm, Choice

 

“A masterful biography. . . Any understanding of the history of social reform in America begins with Woolman, and understanding Woolman begins here.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

 

A “superb narrative. . . In our own age of conspicuous consumption, the complex soul Slaughter so ably and beautifully resurrects is full of contemporary relevance as an example of principled living.” —Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)

 

A “thoughtful, scrupulous, enlightening, and engrossing masterpiece.” —Booklist (starred review)

 

“Thomas Slaughter has accomplished the seemingly impossible task of rescuing a saint—here an Abolitionist Quaker saint—entombed merely in fame. This discerning, poetic biography discloses a Woolman far more powerful, both personally and morally, than even his famous Journal revealed. Few histories are more quietly riveting, more piercingly compelling. The Beautiful Soul of John Woolman is an amazing reconstruction of a daring human life.” —Jon Butler, Dean, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Yale University

 

“Anyone who cares about this country will be blinded by tears while reading this story of a journey that America might have taken, a journey that would have reconciled north and south, blacks and whites, a journey that instead John Woolman made almost alone. Tom Slaughter has written a magnificent book about a unique American. The narrative is as gripping as a suspense story—and simultaneously heartbreaking. I’ve read a lot about Woolman over the years, but nothing can compare to the insights Slaughter offers here. What a beautiful book!” —Thomas Fleming, author of The Perils of Peace: America’s Struggle for Survival after Yorktown

About the Author(s)

Thomas P. Slaughter

Thomas P. Slaughter, the author of five books, including The Whiskey Rebellion and Exploring Lewis and Clark, is the Arthur R. Miller Professor of History at the University of Rochester. He lives in Brighton, NewYork, with his wife and two children.

photo: Heather K. Gollatz

Excerpt

1

Revelations

1720–28

I have often felt a motion of love to leave some hints in writing of my experience of the goodness of God, and now, in the thirty-sixth year of my age, I begin this work.

I was born in Northampton, in Burlington county in West Jersey, A.D. 1720, and before I was seven years old I began to be acquainted with the operations of divine love [and often found a care upon me how I should please him].

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