There are few people who have not heard of the Shakers, despite their small numbers, and yet most people don't really understand their attempt to live the 'Christlife' through community and celibacy. This detailed work in the 'Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements' series is written by retired Massachusetts teacher Paterwic, who provides an excellent and thorough orientation for those who wish to know more. He begins with a helpful chronology and introduction, and because the author has longstanding ties with the last remaining Shakers at Sabbathday Lake, he is able to offer thoughtful and compassionate insight into their way of life that goes beyond historical knowledge. The author's extensive knowledge of and love for his subjects make this treatment more personal than many of the publisher's other historical dictionaries. Additional strengths of the work are the fascinating biographies of many members, charming photographs, and appendixes on the rules of life and format of worship. Paterwic also includes an extensive and impressive bibliographic essay. He explains in the preface that he has revised 160 entries from the first edition (2008) and written 70 new entries; a preceding edition published by Scarecrow was written by Holley Gene Duffield. Libraries serving students or faculty in American history or the study of religion will find this volume a worthwhile acquisition.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels of students through researchers/faculty; general readers.of life and format of worship. Paterwic also includes an extensive and impressive bibliographic essay. He explains in the preface that he has revised 160 entries from the first edition (2008) and written 70 new entries; a preceding edition published by Scarecrow was written by Holley Gene Duffield. Libraries serving students or faculty in American history or the study of religion will find this volume a worthwhile acquisition. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels of students through researchers/faculty; general readers.

of life and format of worship. Paterwic also includes an extensive and impressive bibliographic essay. He explains in the preface that he has revised 160 entries from the first edition (2008) and written 70 new entries; a preceding edition published by Scarecrow was written by Holley Gene Duffield. Libraries serving students or faculty in American history or the study of religion will find this volume a worthwhile acquisition. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels of students through researchers/faculty; general readers.of life and format of worship. Paterwic also includes an extensive and impressive bibliographic essay.

He explains in the preface that he has revised 160 entries from the first edition (2008) and written 70 new entries; a preceding edition published by Scarecrow was written by Holley Gene Duffield. Libraries serving students or faculty in American history or the study of religion will find this volume a worthwhile acquisition. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels of students through researchers/faculty; general readers.ed. All levels of students through researchers/faculty; general readers.