George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, was born in 1642 at a time of great political turmoil when unorthodox religious ideas were met with intolerance and brutality. Rejecting his puritan background, Fox toured England, Europe and America, as a dissenting preacher. His unusual and uncompromising views led to frequent clashes with the church and the courts. Persecuted, beaten and frequently imprisoned for blasphemy, Fox was fearless in questioning the need for clergy and emphasising the accessibility of God to all. Compiled by John Nickalls from accounts dictated by Fox himself, this 1952 edition is an intimate depiction of the life and trials of a radical religious reformer who conquered depression, doubt and physical infirmity to advance the Quaker movement. It is an inspiring portrayal of the foundation and early struggles of the Religious Society of Friends and a personal account of the turbulent social and religious climate of the period.