"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." -- Choice Reviews "This volume is a second edition installment in Rowman & Littlefield''s Historical Dictionary of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements series. Historical Dictionary of the Shakers provides a comprehensive overview of the Shaker movement from its origins with founder Mother Ann Lee in 18th-century England through its spread into colonial America and into the modern era. In addition to the dictionary itself which includes a thorough chronology, the volume offers several appendixes which present different aspects of the Shaker experience. It should also be noted that the current Shaker organization in America has an endorsement in the volume, acknowledging the importance and accuracy of the contents of the dictionary. The dictionary itself contains many historically relevant photographs which enhance the dictionary, providing depth and dimension to the entries which bring the Shakers'' history to life. The dictionary is heavy on entries regarding individuals and locations, though it does justice to concepts and artifacts as well, providing meaningful insight to Shakerism.

Between the volume''s well-written thoroughness and photographic illustrations and its $100 price tag, this title is highly recommended. Its historical and geographical overview of the Shaker movement and the organization''s endorsement of their representation in the title give significant weight to its credibility as a resource. Highly recommended for public libraries and academic libraries at schools with religion and American history programs." -- American Reference Books Annual "In the Historical Dictionary of the Shakers, Second Edition, Stephen J. Paterwic offers an extensive and fastidiously compiled volume of Shaker history and community. As a reference work, the book has some welcome features. The new addition offers boldface type for the cross-referencing of terms, and a detailed chronology outlining the complex tradition. Its thorough bibliography is organized by sub-headings for topical reference, including recent and seminal secondary works about Shaker people, culture, theology, and Shaker publications and periodicals.

Expanded topics in this second edition incorporate photography and selected works of poetry and fiction, as well as updated lists of websites for further research about the Shaker tradition, and for the archives and visitor centers of particular Shaker communities. Appendices contain valuable samples of communal covenants and daily schedules and rules for Shakers, while the text benefits from the inclusion of historic photos throughout." -- Reading Religion.