3-book giveaway and Q-and-A with authors of The Amish
Donald Kraybill, Karen Johnson-Weiner and Steven Nolt have written a new comprehensive book on the Amish, simply entitled The Amish. You probably recognize the authors’ names from numerous books including The Riddle of Amish Culture, New York Amish, A History of the Amish, and many more.
Over 500 pages in length, this new collaboration covers the Amish from just about every angle, from history and religious practices to gender, health, diversity, media, education and much more.
I had a chance to read The Amish some time ago when it was in manuscript form and learned a lot from it. What I really liked was the span of information covering Amish from across different areas of North America. Writing about “the Amish” can be a challenge especially considering how wide-ranging the Amish can be in their practice and custom. The authors handle this adeptly, including ample examples from numerous states and communities to flesh out points made in the book.
Given its wide scope and up-to-date information there really isn’t a book like this on the Amish today. I would place it among a handful of Amish must-reads.
One highlight I’ll mention here is a chapter on Amish diversity which compiles a listing of the many Amish affiliations across North America, and which I don’t think has ever been done before. For me this is worth the price of admission alone.
Q-and-A and 3-book giveaway
Below you’ll find the first part of a Q-and-A with the authors. Some of these are general questions on Amish life, and some are specific to the authors’ experience with the Amish and writing the book.
The second part, which we’ll post in a week, will focus more on general questions on Amish life and culture.
Johns Hopkins is also providing three books for a giveaway of The Amish. There are 2 ways to enter this contest:
1) Leave a comment on this post for one entry.
2) Share this contest via your social channels (Facebook, Twitter,etc) or website. Let me know you did by emailing amishamerica@gmail.com. That will get you a bonus entry.
We’ll draw and post the winners in one week, on Thursday May 30th, along with the second part of the Q-and-A.
Donald Kraybill, Karen Johnson-Weiner, and Steven Nolt on The Amish
Why did you write this book?
Donald Kraybill, Karen Johnson-Weiner, Steven Nolt: Mainstream Americans are fascinated by the Amish—and so are we. But despite the rise of Amish-themed tourism, television shows, and romance novels, there is surprisingly little authoritative information available about them. Although there are books about the Amish in specific locations or particular practices, there was no book that provided a comprehensive picture of the enormous diversity of Amish life. There are more than forty types of Amish in 460 communities across North America. We’ve spent more than a quarter century getting to know these people, and wanted to share the remarkable diversity and resilience we’ve found.
What do you think would most surprise the average American about Amish life/culture?
Their friendliness and humor when you learn to know them. How satisfied they are even without the latest household conveniences and online technology. Also, people would be surprised by their creativity and inventiveness when it comes to technology. They’re not dour folks left over from the 19th century.
What are three things you learned about the Amish researching and writing this book that you didn’t know beforehand?
Well, first of all, the astonishing diversity of Amish life across North America is amazing. We knew it was diverse but as we gathered information from many sources we discovered forty different distinctive groups and many of them have a variety of subgroups. Church regulations are determined by local congregations and with over 2000 of them in the US it really means they’re more than 2000 different ways of being Amish.
Second, we were surprised by the number of Amish publications. Over the last twenty years Amish writing and publishing has flourished. There are some fifty different Amish-produced-for-Amish related magazines, newsletters, correspondence papers such as The Budget, not to mention all the books, family histories and directories that are produced by Amish people.
Third, we often say that Amish people are grounded in stable local communities, and for the most part they are, however the amount of migration and mobility which we were able to track with historical records since the mid-1960s tell a story of a lot of movement within states as well as between states.
What does the Amish population look like today?
The Amish are growing rapidly. Their population doubles about every 20 years, and today they number more than 275,000. So they are thriving even in the midst of a hypermodern, high-tech society.
Most of their growth comes from their own children. On average 85-95% of their children join the church as young adults. Outsiders who have no family connections to the group are able to join if they accept Amish beliefs and agree to live within the bounds of the Amish lifestyle. Although several dozen outsiders are currently members, it is rare for outsiders to join.
Why do you think the Amish have become the darlings of reality TV?
For starters, the Amish are interesting because they appear so different from the rest of us. Outsiders have trouble imagining that anyone would be satisfied living without a car, a smart phone, or a high school education. So Amish-themed reality TV sets up lives that are radically different and “Amish” characters who then rebel against Amish ways of life, smashing our stereotypes of quiet, reclusive, rural pacifists.
How do three people write one book on such a broad subject?
The good news here is that the three of us are still friends! It is indeed a challenge for three people to write a twenty-two chapter book with a consistent voice and tone throughout. We like to think we’ve accomplished that but of course readers will have the final verdict.
One of us would draft a chapter on a topic in which we had special interest or expertise, but then the draft was revised, revised, and revised by all of us. Most of, if not all of the chapters went through at least ten revisions. In addition we had a developmental editor, and an in-house editor offering suggestions and raising questions which really helped to improve the clarity and style of the text.
One of the more interesting “discussions” at the page proof stage focused on the use of commas. With three authors and three editors (two copy editors and a managing editor) we had six different views on the appropriate use of commas!
Having three authors with different areas of expertise certainly produced a much more accurate and comprehensive book than any one of us could have written alone. Trust and mutual respect was key. We had worked together in various projects prior to the book and so we knew each other, trusted and respected each other, and that was really critical to an effective writing partnership. We could argue and debate without losing respect and confidence in each other.
What do you hope readers will take away from reading The Amish?
The fact that Amish society has enormous diversity and complexity and is not simple or simplistic. The Amish are a robust and ingenious American group that has creatively developed ways to negotiate with the outside world to both maintain their traditions and tap many benefits of modern life.
Fascinasion
I have always read about the Amish, I mush admire their lifestyle and
ability to sustain themselves.
I also admire the hand work they do especially the quilts, for sale or for their own use.
A visit to Shipshewana some years ago,staying in an Amish guest house was an absolute delight.
The book sounds very interesting and I would like to be added to the contest. We were just in Shipshewana last weekend and enjoyed ourselves. I recall while there I was noticing the wide variety of different types of carriages and carts being used for shopping etc. We also had the pleasure of going by the farm where they were having church that morning. That was pleasant to witness.
Sounds like a great book. Hopefully, it will help non-Amish gain
a greater understanding of the diversity of Amish life. I’ll be
interested in reading more about the forty different groups of Amish.
Book Contest
I sure am glad for the chance to win a copy of this book. This year my family will be visiting for the very first time a Amish community in Holmes County Ohio. I can’t tell you how excited I am.
Amish life
I admire the Amish for the way they look after ALL members of their family. Their family lifestyle is to be very much commended as is their work ethics and sense of community. We could learn a lot from them.
I could not wait for this book. I pre-ordered it from Amazon. It is a great book.
Eric, Isnt there a picture in the book that you took. I thought I saw your name as the photo credit for at least one of the photos?
I haven’t seen the final version but I believe I do have one in there Tom, from Tennessee. Good eye!
I am excited to see yet another book from this group. I am hopeful that it is as comprehensive as the “Backroads to Heaven” text was. I found that book immensely helpful in understanding other Old Order groups outside of the Amish. I am also impressed at the number of books that this group (and Dr. Kraybill in particular) have published!! Prolific!
Whoops. Typo. That was supposed to read “On the Backroad to Heaven”. That’s what I get for writing anything before being truly awake! 🙂
3 book giveaway
I have always found the Amish to be a very fasinating group of people and certainly am interested in possibly receiving the book, The Amish. A number of years ago when my husband and I pastored a church in Michigan we once asked a local group of Amish folk if someone from there would come and speak to our womens group about their faith and beliefs. They did have several men and women come to share and one thing I noticed was the unfailing courtesy and politeness of their group. Often when the speaker would begin to share a belief practice of theirs he would preface by saying..”We don’t mean to offend, but”….and then share something like why their women do not wear slacks. Of course most of our women were sitting there in slacks! There were basically no differences in matters of the faith, basically just the lifestyle. We found them to be very open to sharing with us. I do like this blog and thank you for it. God bless!
3-book giveaway
love to win.
Amish History
How wonderful! My hubby was raised Amish. His immediate family is Amish. Love to read more about their history and have a better understanding of the many Amish communities. Thank you!
3 book giveaway.
Would love to win one of these books,to read more about the Amish ways, as I was raised Mennonite and would like to see their amish ways now. Thanks
OH how I would love to win this. And will pass it on to my daughter then either to the library or a asst living home. I so love readinf about the Amish fiction and non fiction. God bless and thank you for the chance to win this. Patti in VA
As you probably realize, I continue to live a mostly Plain life although I am in mission work here in Chicago. I have read the other work by the authors and I would be very interested to see their latest interpretations of Amish culture.
I'm In
Just throwing my name into the hat
Sure
Erik,
Include me in the book drawing.
Terry
Would love to win so can read and donate to library.
Want to Learn More
Ilive in NE Iowa, not far from the Hazelton Amish of Buchanan County, Edgewood/Clayton County and Delaware County communities. These communities are growing and we are seeing more and more Amish in our local stores. It would be helpful to understand them better as they become more a part of our communities.
The Amish
As an old order Mennonite, I read this kind of book on the Amish partly to see how educated people with a different worldview see and understand the plain people. Since there are so many similarities between the Amish and the Mennonites, I also read to see how their experiences compare with ours and to better understand ourselves/myself. I enjoy the writings of Kraybill and Nolt but have not gotten around to purchasing any of Johnson-Weiner’s books. I look forward to meeting all of them at the conference in Elizabethtown in June and can probably purchase the book there if I don’t win a copy.
With the fast pace, here in New York, we can learn from the Amish to be polite and appreciate family and societal values.
Published by Johns Hopkins
Johns Hopkins was John Hostettler’s publisher. Hostettler’s book, Amish Society, was my introduction many years ago. I would be happy to have a copy of this new work.
Book Giveaway
I admit that I am fascinated by the Amish way of life. I try to read all I can about them and would love to add this book to my collection. We do have two settlements(community’s) in the county I live in and I visit their store as often as I can.
The book The Amish
I have quite a collection of books on the Amish and am always interested in learning more. Would love to have this book to add to my collection.
Plan to be in southern Indiana this weekend trolling around the Amish communities.
I would love to be chosen for a book. Please include me in the drawing. Thank you!
excited for book giveaway and upcomingconference
Greetings,
As a doctoral student working with an Amish community regarding care of of older adults I am excited to maybe get reference materials free and meet the authors at the upcoming Technology conference.
Cheers, Helen
I will definitely be adding this book to my bookshelf. I’m looking forward to how this book addresses the differences among the Amish.
Three book giveaway
I live near several Amish settlements in upstate NY and have such respect for the Amish and their families. I am happy to see that we now have a comprehensive book to read on the Amish. When people ask me about our local groups I try to tell them that not all church districts are allowed the same things as far as technology etc.
Yes, their religious beliefs follow the same lines but there are differences. Thank you so much for writing and publishing this book. I would love to win the giveaway.
Would love the opportunity to win. Sounds like a fantastic book!
Book
Would love to win. Think the Amish have the right idea of simple life.
Book
Would love to win. Love the way the Amish live simple lives.
I have enjoyed other writings by these authors. Would love to win this book.
3 book give away
I live in Ontario Canada.Would love the book as we just moved to this area last year in an area amongst the Amish and Mennonite. We love it and slowly we are meeting many Amish. We have a couple of Amish neighbours who we have become good friends with, and I think every time I talk with them, I am asking them questions about their life. Reading the book sure would help.
I’m in! Would love to win this book. I found ‘The Riddle of Amish Culture’ really fascinating. Thanks!
Amish Neighborhood
I live near several Amish families here in Vermontville, Mi. Each day we hear and see them in their buggy’s drive past the house. Always very polite to nod and way. The children especially always touch my heart. Watching the men fit their ground for crops, as the women might be outside preparing the flower beds, or hanging out the laundry to dry on the clothes lines. Their surroundings of their homes are sometimes so beautiful looking, and filled with so much to see. It’s a delight to live within the Amish lives. It would be interesting to read how other areas with Amish families might differ in their daily living and routine. Looking forward to the book giveaway.
3 Book Giveaway
Please add me to the list for the giveaway. I’ve got books by Nolt and Kraybill and have learned a great deal from them. Thanks!
I would love to win this book. I admire how they are so family oriented in all things.
book giveaway
I’m writing a historical young adult book where one of the main characters is Amish.I could use any if these books as part if my extensive research. Thanks!
Back in the day I was an Rumspringa girlfriend and have always carried a special place in my heart for the plain people. Would love to win a copy of the book
book giveaway
Love the Amish and would love to learn more about them. Thank you for the chance to win one. <3.
Amish books !!
I try to read as many books about the Amish as I can. I would love to win another !!
would love to have your book. Hopefully the Amish will be tools that God uses to draw other’s closer to him. We all can learn from putting aside worldly things that seem to overwhelm us at times & focus on God.
I would love to learn about all the difference among the many Amish communities in North America. I really admire and respect the Amish values on family and togetherness plus a slower, simpler lifestyle. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
I have read several books by these 3 authors. I look forward to winning a copy of this one. Several years ago, when a “shirttail rellie” of ours from Northern Ireland/UK came to visit us in MN, she also became fascinated with the Amish. I will share this book with her…….if I can let it go. Judy in MN
I enjoy reading books about the amish. I have differnt groups living around me
Mary
I am conservative Mennonite, but was not raised Anabaptist. I like to learn all I can.
Greetings!
The book sounds fascinating and I would also love a copy so please add me into the contest.
I do have a couple of questions. Besides the “reality tv shows” it seems the Amish are also showing up in other programming. For example, on Larry the Cable Guy’s show, “Only in America” they had an Amish lady demonstrate using her washing machine. At least they said she was Amish. My question is, is this becoming the new normal for the Amish to accept being photographed or filmed? Are they more open to this in order to attract business into their community? Or is this perhaps a more open group of Amish?
Blessings, Alice
With these three authors, how could it not be excellent? I would love to read it. Thanks, Erik.
Would love to win what has to be a very informative book. Thank you for the opportunity!
Book Giveaway
Thank you very much for this interview and the book giveaway! We have a community of Old Order Amish in Seymour, MO, less than an hour away from where I live. I’ve always been fascinated with Amish culture and the history of why they live the way they do. I would love to win this book and learn more!
Sounds like a wonderful book, Erik! Can’t wait to read it — and, of course, winning it would be extra-sweet! 🙂
I enjoy reading about the Amish. Such hard working, kind and God fearing people. We could all learn a lot from them Would love to win this book and learn more about the Amish.