Francis does historians an important service by suggesting that they should move beyond such artificial dichotomies as individual versus community in their attempt to understand the complexities of transcendentalism. (Journal of American History) The book's argument is persuasive. Its research base in both manuscript and printed sources is impressive. Communal studies scholars will find the work of value for its important analysis and reflection. Utopianists will find this a good theoretical work in their field. Communal and utopian scholars will also value Francis's excellent exposition of Fourierism. Religion. does not occupy center stage except in chapter 4, where Francis provides an intriguing exposition of religiosity and spirituality at Brook Farm, a subject too little plumbed in other works on the famous community.

(Journal of Religion) Early in his imaginative study, Francis mentions a central paradox--how to reconcile a sense of community with the exaltation of the individual as championed in Emerson's 'Self-Reliance.' Each of the three transcendental utopias was within a day's drive of Concord. For all their fame, they were short-lived experiments and none solved the individual-versus-community puzzle. (Publishers Weekly) Francis provides a solid analysis of performance and entertainment at Brook Farm, and in doing so makes a most convincing argument regarding the early days of the Brook Farm experience. (H-Net Reviews) Francis provides a sprightly, well-researched, sanely argued, and lucidly written account of three variously famous and controversial Massachusetts utopian projects conducted in the Jacksonian 1840s. - Robert DeMott, Ohio University (American Literature) Francis's reading of Transcendentalism is penetrating, ingenious, and potentially very rewarding. This volume represents an innovative approach to Transcendental thought. (American Historical Review).