Customer Reviews

A History of the Amish, Revised and Updated!

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to a topic that would not be considered terribly exciting by most people. Here in plain English, with no bias whatsoever, is the history of one of the most unfamiliar peoples residing in the United States. You have here a detailed but fast-paced account not only of the Amish's origin in Switzerland, Saxony, and the Netherlands in the 16th century, but also of their trials and tribulations in their eventual settling in the New World. Of particular interest to me personally was the historical origins of, and divergence between the Amish and the Mennonites with regard to the question of technology. This book has clarified for me the historical and religious reasons why the Amish have come to choose the way of life they have. I came away from reading this book not only with a deeper understanding of how and why of the Amish (and the Mennonites), but also with a much deeper respect for the genuine humility and modesty the Amish practice in their everyday lives through their work, emphasis on community, and manner of dwelling in harmony with nature. Having lived in Pennsylvania and Ohio for many years, I always believed the Amish to be the only realistic model of a non-monastic community that could convincingly claim to strictly follow the Christian ethos of non-violence and neighborly love. Happily, this book has done much to substantiate much of my own observations about the Amish. But this book is not just about the Amish's past-- in allowing us to to know more about the way the Amish live, and their reasons for it, this short history may give us pause and allow us to re-examine the empty rhetoric of "community" and "empowerment" that fills the double-speak of modern politics and many a special-interest group's battle cries. Definitely recommended to anyone interested in a highly successful form of communal living -- one that is not based on a childish rebellion against the modern world, but one based on a childlike acceptance of man's fundamentally naked condition regardless of his technological progress.

I read this book prior to a long weekend trip to Pennsylvania Dutch country. The book is very clearly written (I almost finished it on a flight from Amsterdam to New York) but it presents all the key facts and concepts - in a sympathetic but unbiased way. Having read this book prior to my visit, I could have conversations with locals and feel closer to them thanks to the information and concepts picked up from this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who plans to visit the Amish part of the country and look a little deeper than horse-driven carts and beards without moustaches.

From their beginnings in Europe to the Modern day this book gives a great overall history into what and who of the Amish people. Good read for the curious, history minded or those planning a visit to Amish country.

Nolt does an excellent job of opening up the early beginnings of the Amish to their present day frozen in time establishment. He follows many unique families as they struggle for survival, and a home. My only wish would be is additional focus on doctrines and beliefs; and the problems that are created. I realize though, that that was not the objective of the book. There is a large bibliography, end-notes, and it is fully illustrated.

We begin in 17th century Europe with the founder, a man named Jakob Ammann. Knowledge on Ammann is obscure. After struggles with doctrines, the Amish, along with the Mennonites branched off from the Anabaptists. After this schism occurred over doctrines, many petty, the Amish found themselves looking for a new homestead. They spread over Europe; many were persecuted, some left freely from Switzerland and eventually found themselves settling in Pennsylvania.

Small settlements can be found all over the eastern half of the United States to this day. It is a testament to their resolve that they survived at all. In time, decreased numbers would force mergers. They still live on the "edges of American society" with their close knit structure. The encroaching world continues to challenge their Christian faith. Though, through all this they are still growing and expanding.

My thoughts, well, I think they are an example for all: their faith in the inerrancy of the Bible, moderation, love, kindness, and forgiveness. But, they have allowed old customs to stand in the way of growth. They have taken certain scripture as literal when it is meant to be taken figuratively. Where does it say that we should live in the 17th century? Sharing of their faith is greatly needed in this broken world, but they choose to isolate themselves.
Blessings
Scott

A HISTORY OF THE AMISH will absorb you into the Amish world. You will learn how they began in 1693, deal with their divisions/splits, and discover their current problems. It's a history book that is an easy read, but not light on both the negative and positive facts. You'll feel like an expert--though far from it--after your read. You will come to appreciate the uniqueness of this semi-separatist clan/sect.

This subculture is also an interesting study in social studies class--either by the whole class or as an individual or group project, and there's so much realia available. An emotional read-aloud for the intermediate grades is PLAIN GIRL, which deals with the contrasting issues between being a dedicated Amish and "English" (non-Amish).

A Non-Workbook, Non-Textbook Approach to Teaching Language Arts: Grades 4 Through 8 and Up

A well written book on the history of the Amish. From their beginings in Europe to the present day. Tons of information.

Ninety percent of what you may hear about the Amish is wrong, and eighty-four percent of the statistics that people use in argument are made up by the person quoting the statistic, as I have here. Nevertheless, most of what I have heard people say about the Amish has proven to be wrong. I was listening to a radio show the other day and, despite the fact that the Amish were the topic of the radio show, the host didn't bother to learn the first thing about them, nor did anyone who called in to the show in order to give their erroneous interpretation of a group of people they knew nothing about.

There's nothing surprising about that, I suppose. It's not as if the Amish put out regular press releases. They don't have Facebook pages or Twitter accounts. As should be obvious, I am not Amish. But I am Mennonite, and I have visited with the Amish colony not far from me. Still, I am not an expert on the Amish, but neither would I choose the Amish as a topic for a radio show without bothering to learn something about who they are. Nor, for that matter, would I offer opinions in conversation that are based on nothing other than my own lack of knowledge. Many do, though.

"A History of the Amish", as its name implies, is focused on the history of the Amish, rather than an interpretation of their beliefs and customs, but there is much of that there, as well. Steven M. Nolt, the author, does a splendid job of it, looking at the Amish objectively, rather than as a freak show.

There are other books on the subject that are more in depth, the best of which are authored by Donald B. Kraybill, and many others, but "A History of the Amish" is a good start. Those who desire to develop an understanding of the Amish won't be led astray. It will give you a basic understanding of how the Amish came to be what they are, and that's a good start.

This book answered many of my questions about the origin and lives of the Amish people. I would like to read more accounts of this wonderful group of people.

I ordered this book for a friend so cannot comment on the contents. But the service was excellent.

Timely shipment and in great condition. I was very pleased with order.