"Mildred Jordan, a longtime student of the Pennsylvania Dutch, tells us the fascinating story of their customs and traditions, the history of their different sects, their distinctive dialect, and their rich heritage of folklore and tales. She depicts the Plain sect - the Mennonites, the Amish, the Schwenkfelders, the Moravians, and the Brethren, and the church people - the Lutheran and German Reformed sects. All the important developments unique to the Pennsylvania Dutch society are described. Here are their delicious cuisine (with many recipes), their architecture, their superstitions, their farming and gardening innovations. Sprinkled throughout the book are amusing and affectionate anecdotes that will bring the reader closer to this interesting and enduring society. A final chapter attempts to peer into the future of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Here is a group of remarkable human beings with a great zest for living. And for anyone who wonders what a distelfink is - this symbol of the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside - its charming story can be found in these pages." [from the book jacket]
