America's most recognizable naive artist, Edward Hicks was virtually unknown in his own time. In his early twenties, Hicks became known as a fiery Quaker minister, traveling into Canada and down into the southern states to preach his firm belief in temperance, abolition, and devotion to the holy life. Hicks termed his painting a "weakness," yet returned to its solace again and again, as he found himself haunted by schisms in the Quaker church and his own shortcomings. He painted nearly one hundred versions of "The Peaceable Kingdom," his own vision of peace in a flawed world, little knowing that his art would become a touchstone for a young country hungry for its own legends. Alice Ford writes with sensitivity and creativity about this self-taught artist, his troubled relationship with his father and other Quaker elders, and his deep love for his children and grandchildren. Now back in print, Edward Hicks, Painter of the Peaceable Kingdom remains the most complete portrayal of the life of the painter, with invaluable information about dates and attributions for this important American artist.