Description
Book SynopsisCompanion to the acclaimed PBS American Experience documentary. Winner of the CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title of the Choice ACRLThe Amish have always struggled with the modern world. Known for their simple clothing, plain lifestyle, and horse-and-buggy mode of transportation, Amish communities continually face outside pressures to modify their cultural patterns, social organization, and religious world view. An intimate portrait of Amish life, The Amish explores not only the emerging diversity and evolving identities within this distinctive American ethnic community, but also its transformation and geographic expansion. Donald B. Kraybill, Karen M. Johnson-Weiner, and Steven M. Nolt spent twenty-five years researching Amish history, religion, and culture. Drawing on archival material, direct observations, and oral history, the authors provide an authoritative and sensitive understanding of Amish society. Amish people do not evangelize, yet their numbers in North America have grow
Trade ReviewThe authors successfully address the seeming exoticism of the Amish without sensationalism . . . Particular attention is paid to debunking myths surrounding the teenage rite of Rumspringa, a time of contemplation before full commitment to the church through baptism. The scholarship is enlivened with quotes and personal anecdotes, and the final section on the future of the Amish raises fascinating questions, even for casual readers.
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Publishers WeeklyKraybill, Johnson-Weiner and Nolt have provided masterful research that enlightens the reader about this misunderstood religion and culture . . .
The Amish is a must-read for anyone willing to look beyond the horse and buggy image and gain eye-opening knowledge of people keeping a wary eye on the modern world while holding fast to their past beliefs and traditions.
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Foreword ReviewsIn sum, Kraybill, Johnson-Weiner and Nolt have offered us a highly readable and thoroughly engaging lens into the Amish, and in doing so offer readers an opportunity to reflect on themselves in this book.
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JoelGehman.comGiven its wide scope and up-to-date information there really isn’t a book like this on the Amish today. I would place it among a handful of Amish must-reads.
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Amish AmericaThis is a great read for audiences from high school to professionals . . . highly recommended.
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ChoiceThe book’s thoroughness is praiseworthy, along with its unbiased approach. It doesn’t overpraise the Amish, nor does it criticize their ways. If you’re wondering how traditional societies cope with the modern era, this book is perfect.
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Olive Branch UnitedAn essential work on the Amish for both those who begin with little knowledge and those who would like to update their understanding of this unique plain Christian community.
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Annals of IowaWritten by the foremost contemporary authority on the Amish along with experts on linguistics and Amish history, this impressive, illustrated volume positions itself as the best and most comprehensive book on the Amish in the twenty-first century. Based on twenty-five years of sociological and demographics research, face-to-face interviews and in-person observation, the twenty-two chapters cover every aspect of Amish life. . .
The Amish is invaluable for the reader seeking a first, serious encounter with the subject, but readers with some prior knowledge of the Amish will benefit greatly from its comprehensive, national scope. For libraries with limited space, this is the one book on the Amish to own.
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Nova ReligioTen years in the making,
The Amish is one of a kind. . . The book draws on a combined seventy-five years of observation and analysis of Amish life by three of the most insightful scholars in the field of Amish studies. . . It does an exceptional job of conveying the cultural logic behind Amish practices. . . The book is a major contribution to understanding and theorizing Amish difference amid unity in the twenty-first century. . .
The Amish is beautifully written and the consistency of voice is remarkable. . . This is interdisciplinary work at its best.
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Mennonite Quarterly ReviewA valuable, detailed and large (520 pp.) introduction to the Amish . . . The book, wisely documented with photographs (to be more appreciated, because of Amish shunning them), is a very precious documentation of Amish life and religious culture in present America—and therefore not only our best choice of 2014, but a bibliographic milestone not to be missed.
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PolifemoA sophisticated yet accessible picture of the many forms of contemporary Amish life, a picture that includes both the attractions of deeply rooted community relationships and the troubling shadows cast in a closely-knit patriarchal tribe, such as poorly addressed sexual abuse and a sometimes-dysfunctional youth culture. The nuance, accuracy, thoroughness, and respect attending this beautifully presented work of collaborative scholarship ensure that
The Amish will define the field of Amish studies for some time to come.
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Journal of Mennonite StudiesTable of ContentsPreface
Acknowledgments
Part I
1. Who Are the Amish?
2. European Origins
3. The Story in America
Part II
4. Religious Roots
5. Sacred Rituals
6. The Amish Way
7. Symbols and Identity
Part III
8. Diverse Affiliations
9. Population Patterns
10. Community Organization
11. Gender and Family
12. From Rumspringa to Marriage
13. Social Ties and Community Rhythms
14. Education
Part IV
15. Agriculture
16. Business
17. Technology
18. Health and Healing
19. Government and Civic Relations
20. The Amish in Print
21. Tourism and Media
Part V
22. Pursuits of Happiness
Appendix A
Appendix B
Notes
Bibliography
Index
