Jan de Hartog - historical fiction - 1972 - p. 75

Written by Quaker author Jan de Hartog, The Peaceable Kingdom is a historical novel about George Fox and Margaret Fell and their evolution from narcissism to altruism. It emphasizes the importance of work for the good of others, particularly in the areas of social justice and prison reform; it serves as an origin story of sorts for the Quaker religion.

Netherlands-born de Hartog ran away at age 11 to become a cabin boy; he was off and on boats for years and spent a year at the Netherlands Naval College before dropping out. During World War II, he participated in the Dutch Resistance Movement, helping to hide Nazis. Forced into hiding, he escaped to England and moved to the United States after the war.

Key elements: Europe, origin stories