Mother Ann Lee: Morning Star of the Shakers

by Nardi Reeder Campion, June Sprigg (Foreword)

Originally published in 1976 as Anne the Word, this is a popular biography of colorful and controversial Shaker founder Ann Lee.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

205 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 1990

Reviews

[Tamra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the same as Ann the Word, published in 1976. My review of that book follows:

Ann Lee has always fascinated me. So I finally read a book about her.

This book is not a masterpiece. It's like the bare bones version of what you need to know to come away with a basic understanding of Ann Lee's life and the foundation of the Shaker religion. I appreciated, however, that I didn't have to research all the historical accounts myself--it's a nice compilation.

Also to be noted about the book: the author, a woman, has a CLEAR second agenda with this book. And frankly, her blatant feminism gets a little annoying. Not even the 10 Commandments are spared insult.

Having said that, Ann Lee is a fascinating historic figure, with or without any agendas and poetic prose.

I have a hard time completely rejecting Ann Lee and her message without a second thought, because the founding religion stories are similar to the foundation of Mormonism stories which are part of my Mormon culture. I identified strongly with the stories of divine revelation, atypical religious views, the anger of other religious leaders, persecution, hardship while trying to establish Zion on the earth, miracles and healings performed by believers, and a dynamic and charismatic founding leader--even a magnetic person who inspired intense loyalty. ... Skipping out on the details, these are also Mormon tales. So I can't say something like "Ann Lee was crazy" without admitting that Joseph Smith may have been, too.

Whatever Ann Lee was or wasn't, she definitely was fascinating. Any woman who declares herself the female embodiment of Christ, and can convince thousands of people to believe the same, is by my definition fascinating.

I admire her intense determination to live a good life, even if it was a little too intense for my liking, and even if I disagree with her definition of what a good life is. I'll keep my happy marriage and "sexual love," thank you very much.

Shakerism is now down to a handful of people (12 were left in 1976, all women, and the youngest was 42 years old). Ann Lee prophesied that when membership was down to 5 people there would be a revival. For anyone interested in starting a religious revival: the time is now!

Favorite teaching of Ann Lee:
"Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, as often as you can, to all the people you can."

Amen, Sister Lee.

[abby j · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful insight into the mother of american feminism. i think we all need a little more of the compassion and inclusion mother ann provided.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating history book. I loved how thorough the author was about citing her sources, and providing places for more research, and examining the biases of her sources. You can also tell the author is passionate about this subject and the history of Ann Lee.
I do think, however, the author herself used a bit too much bias when telling this history, while I love the passion she has for the subject, I wish she'd toned down the opinionated tone when writing about Ann Lee. I also think she relied too often on speculation regarding Ann Lee's thoughts, or those who criticized the Shakers- the lines speculating on why Ann Lee valued celibacy were entirely unrelated to the history, and provided nothing to the book.
On the other hand, this was a great history of someone I knew nothing about. The author gave a great amount of context for both before and after the Shaker movement, including where the movement is today and what the goals of the Shakers were and how they've changed. She also provided great context for religious movements that led to or coincided with Ann Lee's appearance. It was a solid history of a fascinating woman!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I read this so I would have a better idea of who Ann Lee really was before I see “The Testament of Ann Lee” which I’m very excited for? Yes. Was it a good read about a very important woman who never wavered in her commitment to her faith? Also yes. This was a hand-me-down book from a retired minister so it may be a bit hard to stumble upon, but if you find it in a library and want to learn about Ann Lee and the founding of Shakerism, check it out!

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, amazing, inspiring
I would recommend this to anyone and everyone with any interest in either religion or American history.

[Terry O. Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this really interesting. I had never heard of Ann Lee. She was clearly a very strong and influential woman of her time.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly interesting person but so so biography. Too much editorializing. Take a drink every time the author says "they must have been...," "she must have been...". Very excited for the Ann Lee movie.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, easy-to-read, biography of Ann Lee, founder of the Shaker movement.