Other Books in the People's Place Series No. 1 20 Most Asked Questions About the Amish and Mennonites (revision) by Merle and Phyllis Good. The most common inquiries about these people are answered with insight and accuracy by two leading experts. Lots of photos.
No. 2 A Quiet and Peaceable Life (revision) by John L. Ruth. A beautiful, poetic selection of photos and text, highlighting the poignant austerity of the plain way. Captures the spirit of the Old Order groups.
No. 3 Plain Buggies -- Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren Horse-Drawn Transportation by Stephen Scott. A fascinating, thorough explanation of why nearly 100,000 persons refuse to drive cars for religious reasons, who they are, where they live, and the 90-some variations of their vehicles. More than 100 photos.
No. 4 Quilts Among the Plain People by Rachel T. Pellman and Joanne Ranck. Why this splash of beauty? What are the favorite designs? How has quilting become a part of the very fabric of Amish and Mennonite life? What are the basic how-tos of quiltmaking? Includes stories of quilts and quilters.
No. 5 Delicious Amish Recipes by Phyllis Pellman Good. A leading expert on Amish life and cooking traditions selects choice recipes which are favorites among these people, known for their plentifully spread tables. Delectable and bursting with flavor! Includes Baked Corn, Chicken Roast, Whoopie Pies, and many more tasty favorites.
No. 6 The Amish School (revision) by Sara E. Fisher and Rachel K. Stahl. An Old Order Amish woman who used to teach in a one-room Amish school gives a fascinating view of a typical school, teachers' training, books used in Amish schools, and more. No. 7 Why Do They Dress That Way?by Stephen Scott. This unique book describes the history, development, and use of hats, bonnets, dresses, overcoats, and other dress of the various groups who "dress plain" for religious reasons.
No. 8 The Amish Wedding and Other Special Occasions of the Old Order Communitiesby Stephen Scott. An expert on Old Order life uses a story approach to provide the most detailed, authentic, and interesting account of the Amish wedding ever published. Other stories depict a funeral, auctions, choosing a minister, and an Old Order meeting. Captures a sense of community.
No. 9 Living Without Electricity by Stephen Scott and Kenneth Pellman. How do the Amish get along without electric lights or appliances, computers, power tools, or their own phones? Examines the Amish response to technology.
No. 10 The Puzzles of Amish Life (revision) by Donald B. Kraybill. "Telephones, taboo in homes, stand at the end of farm lanes. State-of-the-art calculators are permissible, but not computers. These perplexing puzzles, however, are quite reasonable when pieced together in the context of Amish history." Donald Kraybill, a sociologist, has provided a way to understand the Amish people's intentional way of living in a world far different from their own.
No. 11 Amish Houses and Barns by Stephen Scott. Scott examines the history and cultural development of typical Amish houses and barns, using three Amish homesteads as examples. Includes photos and anecdotes.
No. 12 An Introduction to Old Order and Conservative Mennonite Groups by Stephen Scott. The Old Order Mennonites are less well known than the Amish but are similar in many beliefs and practices. Some Old Order Mennonites drive horses and buggies. Others use cars for transportation. What holds these people together? Why are they growing in number? Where do they live? Never before has there been such an inside account of these people and their lives.
People's Place Books are published by The People's Place, a museum and heritage center specializing in Amish and Mennonite life, located in Lancaster County in the village of Intercourse, Pennsylvania.
Well written. The draw of the Amish, Mennonite way of life has been with me for decades. This book gives a great insight to the belief behind the outer appearance of these devout people.
It was a very quick read. Interesting little facts and I enjoyed the black and white photos. I thought it was going to be a little more in depth about one specific family but it's just little snippets. I still enjoyed this quick little read. It was informative.
I grew up in York county, PA, thinking 'those people' were real nice, but a little strange. Now that I'm all worldly-wise, I find that I'm closer to their beliefs than I've ever been, as well as recognizing my ancestors' Brethren heritage. The community that honors God, strives to steward His creation and honor one another is far preferable to the way the 'English' operate.
John L Ruth gives a good general report of the lifestyles of this varied people group. I especially appreciate his poem, 'The Coat', for wanting to preserve the memory of our forefathers while yearning to move on.