"The companion to American Experience PBS"--Jacket.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 461-485) and index.
Contents
Roots. Who are the Amish? -- European origins -- The story in America -- Cultural context. Religious roots -- Sacred rituals -- The Amish way -- Symbols and identity -- Social organization. Diverse affiliations -- Population patterns -- Community organization -- Gender and family -- From Rumspringa to marriage -- Social ties and community rhythms -- Education -- External ties. Agriculture -- Business -- Technology -- Health and healing -- Government and civic relations -- The Amish in print -- Tourism and media -- The future. Pursuits of happiness -- Appendix A. Related groups: Mennonites, Brethren, Hutterites -- Appendix B. Key events in Amish history.
Summary
The 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.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 259-285) and indexes.
Summary
Donald B. Kraybill has spent his career among Anabaptist groups, gaining an unparalleled understanding of these traditionally private people. Kraybill shares that deep knowledge in this succinct overview of the beliefs and cultural practices of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites in North America. Found throughout Canada, Central America, Mexico, and the United States, these religious communities include more than 200 different groups with 800,000 members in 17 countries. Through 340 short entries, Kraybill offers readers information on a wide range of topics related to religious views and social practices. With thoughtful consideration of how the diverse communities are related, this compact reference provides a brief and accurate synopsis of these groups in the twenty-first century. No other single volume provides such a broad overview of Amish, Brethren, Huterites, and Mennonites in North America. Organized for ease of searching--with a list of entries, a topic finder, an index of names, and ample cross-references--the volume also includes abundant resources for accessing additional information. Wide in scope, succinct in content, with directional markers along the way, the Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites is a must-have reference for anyone interested in Anabaptist groups. --Book Jacket.
