Customer Reviews

The Gift to be Simple: Life in the Amish Country

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The photography in this collection is outstanding. It is, not only a glimpse into Amish life, but it is extremely beautiful artwork.

The photgrapher captures the simplicity of Amish life in well-executed images. The photographs cover all aspects of Amish life, without being overly intrusive.

If you have ever been fascinated with the Amish lifestyle, pick up this beautiful book.

While I understand the lack of description, [the editor/author did not want to draw away from the simplicity of the photographs--and the point of this book is simplicity], I think that something was missing in this respect.

If you are looking for the definitive book on Amish, I would have to tell you to pick up this book AND something with more written information. The combination would be a great asset.

I cannot, however, detract from the five stars that I have given this book, simply because of its beauty. It is wonderful.

It's not often that Amish children or adults are seen in photos because it is against their religion for adult members of the church to have photos taken which show their face (their interpretation of the Bible considers this vanity). It's a little questionable then that there are photos of a few Amish adult faces. The photographer mentions that when he first started taking these photos, he didn't know it was forbidden in the Amish religion. The Amish farm kids (not members of the church yet) got the OK from their parents to be in a few photos, according to the photographer. Some of the photos show the backs of children only, dressed in the simple Amish clothes and walking to school barefoot or working on the farm. Many of the photos are shot at quite a distance, with the photographer apparently standing on a public road in Amish country and snapping photos. There are many pictures of Amish barns and farmhouses. It's a nice book to flip through, but because there is no wording on the pages (beyond a quick intro in the front) it doesn't warrant a second and third look. My favorite Amish book is by Elizabeth Coblentz and includes full-page photos plus copies of her columns in an Amish newspaper about life on her family's farm.

I have many books of photographs and this is the most beautiful one I have seen. It was a gift to me that Bill Coleman shared these photos!

He has managed to capture the spirit of the Amish - their simple life and their everyday lifestyle. You see their spirit shining through in these photos. The children are particularly beautiful and look so happy and innocent.

The photos of the landscape are equally wonderful. It was only on my third *reading* of this book that I realized what they were missing : electric poles and wires. These photos could have been taken 100 years ago, the landscape is so unspoiled!

I thank Bill Coleman for giving me this glimpse into the Amish world. Although I live not far from where he took these photos, they allowed me an inside look.

My friend gave me this book. I adored the beautiful photos. I think what I admired the most was Mr. Coleman's ability to obtain such remarkable photos. I was once Amish and remember the huge tour buses wiggling down the dirt lane. I remember the men telling us to turn quickly because it was considered vanity to have pictures taken. It is truly a gem for Mr. Coleman to capture such a true and vividly beautiful photo book!

The Amish truly feel that it is a priviledge to live the Simple Life. They do not feel as though they are sacrificing at all. This book is informative and well written and an enjoyable read. I feel that all books are over-priced though and for that reason I am only giving four stars!

This is a wonderful book if you want to look into the hearts of the amish and their more simple lifestyle. I love to spend time among the amish when I'm able......and when I'm not, a turn of the pages in this book quickly projects me there.....and into the more peaceable lifestyle they have, at least momentarily. Their lifestyle is not easy....but certainly more peace-filled. I give this book 5 stars - but would give more if I could. I highly recommend this book - if you love the amish and want to spend time with them....or want to learn more about them....this will give you an inside look.

Just wanted to mention to people looking to buy this book that people selling this book used on Amazon.com are ripping you off! Some want $62 and $99!!! This book is still available at Borders for $25!

A tour through this book, with its beautiful pictures of the simple things in life, will de-stress even the most overwrought modern workaholic.

THis book was so beutiful! It really gives meaning to the phrase "A pictures Worth a Thousand words". I have been looking at a lot of amish books lately, and this one would have to have been the most beutiful one I've seen so far. The only downside is that there are few words, so if you are looking for an informational book, this isn't your book. But If you just like to stare at the simple yet beutiful faces, homes, schools and animals You have found the jackpot!

A simple book and a delightful book to study the perfect quality of the pictures that tell the full story. This is a book that you pick up, open it at any page, look at the picture, close the eyes and allow your mind to wander back to that simple way of life when people and not things mattered. Everyone should have a copy.