History Of The Amish

DESCRIPTION:

This book brings together for the first time in one volume a thorough history of the Amish people.

The Amish, one of America’s most intriguing peoples, have survived for 300 years! While much has been written on the Amish recently, little has appeared about their history.

This book brings together for the first time in one volume a thorough history of the Amish people. From their beginnings in Europe through their settlement in North America, the Amish have struggled to maintain their beliefs and traditions in often hostile settings.

Atlantic crossings, westward migration, military conscription, and compulsory school laws were just a few of the many challenges to the Amish church through the years. Caught in the currents and conflicts of national life, the Amish have remained a distinct people in America’s melting pot.

Authoritative, thorough, and interestingly written, A History of the Amish presents the deep and rich heritage of the Amish people. Includes a substantial bibliography for further reading and study. Dozens of illustrations.

REVIEWS:
“Clearly informative, giving readers an opportunity to learn more about a unique religious group.” —The Philadelphia Inquirer

“The author successfully presents the entire history of the Amish since 1525 while avoiding both the overly sentimental approach of much popular writing and the anti-Amish bias of the rest.” — Library Journal

“Steven Nolt has written a book that will make Amish history more interesting and approachable for the general public, and that will advance the task of Amish historical studies by summarizing and synthesizing scholarship to this point. A History of the Amish is a worthy addition to the literature of Amish studies.”” — Mennonite Historical Bulletin

“This work offers a broad view of the Amish while plunging deep enough into specific issues to give readers a sense of having some genuine understanding of the deep convictions that bind this group together. Additionally, this book is well-illustrated with photographs, maps, and charts and is written in an enjoyable and accessible style.” — Bookstore Journal

“More compellingly written than many history books.” — Currents

“There have been other histories of this unique sect, notably the scholarly work of John Hostetler. But Steven Nolt has written a new history which is not only thorough but is also eminently affordable.” — Bookends

“A History of the Amish is delightfully easy to understand, packed with photos, illustrations, and sidebars that give the reader a good feel for the sights and words of Amish communities both current and historical. Nolt goes to great lengths to explain the context in which Amish beliefs have developed, making this church, which has traditionally shunned publicity in favor of what they call “the humble life,” infinitely less mysterious.” — Friends Journal

“His book demonstrates a fine command of the material, a well-balanced selection and overview of the sources, and a graceful, readable style of expression. For a first history of the Amish, this is a good history of the Amish.” — Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage

“Finally, there is a history of these incredible people that is both readable and understandable. The Amish have survived for 300 years, and this small format, 318-page, soft-cover book brings together, for the first time in one volume, a thorough history of these people. Nolt has done a great job: his book has an extensive bibliography and an index. This is a ‘must’ for anyone interested in the Amish, their history, or their life.” — New York-Pennsylvania Collector

“A History of the Amish is about as comprehensive as a 318-page account could possibly be. It's more than an ecclesiastical record; it is a history of the Amish people. Throughout the volume, the Amish experience is cradled—almost immersed—in the milieu of the surrounding contemporary political and social structures.
      “Very refreshing is Nolt’s informal style. He wholly avoids technical jargon without noticeably limiting his skill in delineating the course of Amish history and in making careful analyses.” — Mennonite Quarterly Review

CONTENTS:
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 —The Reformation Heritage of the Amish
Chapter 2 —Amish Beginnings, 1693-1711
Chapter 3 —Maintaining the Church: The Amish in Europe, 1693-1801
Chapter 4 —Settlement and Struggle in the New World: The Amish in 18th Century Pennsylvania
Chapter 5 —A Time of Testing: The Amish in Europe, 1790-1861
Chapter 6 —Prosperity and Promise in North America, 1800-1865
Chapter 7 —Years of Division, 1850-1878
Chapter 8 —The Merging of Two Peoples: Amish Mennonite Union With the Mennonites in North America and Europe, 1870-1937
Chapter 9 —Preservation and Perseverance; The Old Order Amish, 1865-1900
Chapter 10 —Challenges of a New Century, 1900-1945
Chapter 11 —Peoplehood in a Changing World: Amish Life Since 1945
Endnotes
Bibliography
Index
Author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Nolt has an active interest in Mennonite and Amish history. He has worked at the Hans Herr House, a Mennonite museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; the Mennonite Historical Library, Goshen, Indiana; and The People’s Place, Intercourse, Pennsylvania.

Steve graduated from Goshen (Indiana) College with a degree in history. He has attended Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, Elkhart, Indiana, and Eastern Mennonite Seminary—Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Campus. He is completing a masters degree in the field of church history.

He has published a number of articles in the field of Mennonite history. He is a contributing editor for the Mennonite Historical Bulletin, ad editorial advisor for Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage, and an active member of the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society.

In 1992 Steve married Rachel Miller, of Engadine, Michigan. They live near Willow Street, Pennsylvania.