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.

amish-kraybill-johnson-weiner-noltI 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.

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    208 Comments

    1. Slightly-handled-Order-man

      When I came back in the evening it said 101 responses.
      That made for a busy day.

    2. TOM-GA

      three book giveaway

      would love to win

    3. Penny McGuire

      Need to learn more!

      I would love to learn more about the Amish lifestyle. I have utmost respect for them.

    4. Mary Jo Sparrow

      love the amish

      I would love to read these books

    5. Jackie Tessnair

      I would love to read more about the Amish

      I would love to win this giveaway.I love reading amish books and I am fascinated with the amish.Thanks for the chance.

    6. Dali Castillo

      A Must Read

      Being that it’s from PBSs American Experience, it’s a definite must read!

    7. Jamie Davis Bryan

      Giveaway!

      This looks so informative! Would love to read it!

    8. Amish are PA DUTCH

      I think this is a timely overview of the Amish of today. I wonder if the address the misconception that the Amish are also PA Dutch. I grew up not knowing the difference and of course, after relocating to Lancaster PA, have learned not only about the differences, but learned how vital the PA Germans were to aiding Washington’s Army and how their many innovations shaped this new country. Amish speak PA Dutch but are not PA Dutch.

    9. Yvonne

      giveaway

      Would love to win this book. Sounds like it’s a very authentic account of the Amish and their lifestyle & culture. Thank you for offering this opportunity.

    10. Yvonne

      contest

      Thanks for the opportunity. Not sure my last comment went thru.

    11. Bonnie Traher

      contest

      Would so very much love to win.

      1. Will H

        The Amish book giveaway

        I plan on getting this book one way or another. Winning a free copy would be great!

    12. Gina Cromer

      Entering to win

      I would love to win these 3 books.. I have almost made amish my life and love reading about them…
      my address is 1964 Porter Cross Road
      Lugoff, SC 29078
      Thank You
      Gina

    13. Sherri Myers

      Amish life

      I am fascinated also by the Amish way of life, as I live in an area in PA that have quite a few owning the farms nearby. I’d love to win a book to help me understand my neighbors better. Thank you and God bless

    14. WOULD BE A GREAT 15TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY SURPRISE

      Our 15th wedding anniversary is May 30th. It would be just wonderful nice to win this book. “The Amish” would probably be the next most scholarly authoritative book since “Amish Society” by John Hostetler. Thank you for offering this opportunity. Godbwye. Juan Carlos & Angela Villanueva

    15. LISA KOREKK

      3-GIVEAWAY

      I’D LIKE TO BE ENTERED INTO THIS DRAWING

    16. Barbara Thompson

      3-book giveaway and Q-and-A with authors of The Amish

      I love reading about the Amish. I have a lot of respect for them and I don’t believe majority of the other Christians could live a forgiving life as they do even though we are suppose to live that way. They are amazing people to me. Please enter me in your giveaway.
      Thank you!!

    17. Kate K.

      Surprised at the collaborative effort

      I wonder how this book came about, with these three authors? It’s hard enough working with one other author, let lone two. Looking forward to reading it.

    18. Cheryl Baranski

      Sounds very fastinating! Would love to win the book!

    19. Fiona

      3 book give-away--Pick me!

      I would like to win these books!

    20. OldKat

      Count me in

      Am slowly working my way through the existing scholarly works on “The Amish” that are out there. Win or not; this looks like a good one to add to my list.

    21. Kathy Rowe

      Another interesting book. Looks like a good one to be in a drawing for.

    22. Tom Geist

      Count Me In....please

      Thanks for the contest.

    23. Joyce Schmidt

      Would love to win this book! I agree that we are fascinated with the Amish, because them seem content with so little compared to the rest of us. I Think alot of us would be curious enough to want to experience it (for awhile).
      I have difficulties with commas, too!!!

    24. Joyce Schmidt

      Would love to win this book! I agree that we are fascinated with the Amish, because they seem content with so little compared to the rest of us. I Think alot of us would be curious enough to want to experience it (for awhile).
      I have difficulties with commas, too!!!

    25. Shirley Blanchard

      book give away

      i would love to win this book, i love the Amish and want to learn more about them, thanks jcisforme@aol.com

    26. Debbie H

      book give away

      I am especially interested in the diversity among the Amish groups. I hope I win this so I can learn more about the Amish from those who know them well.

    27. Angela

      Fascinating!

      Can’t wait to read it! How nice to have a reference on similarities/differences in one spot!

    28. Marilyn from MI

      I would love to read this book, especially the section about the different Amish affiliations.

    29. dee

      Neat!

      Would definitely make for an interesting read…

    30. dee

      would be an interesting read….

    31. Susan Simpson

      3-book giveaway

      I am always looking for info on the Amish. Would love to win!

    32. ADalton

      I would like to get this book!

    33. Tammy Richards

      Would love to win

      What a wonderful giveaway.

    34. Rita

      I’d love to win this book.

    35. Susan Graham

      3-Book Giveaway

      This book sounds great! Thanks for giving us a chance to win!

    36. Katrina

      Question for the Authors

      I was wondering: Out of the myriad of Amish practices, which one do the authors think most exemplifies Amish life? Lack of electricity, spiritual beliefs, way of dressing, or something else?

    37. Susan

      yes!

      Thanks for the chance to win these interesting books!

    38. Dave

      Count me in

      Yes, I would be very interested, however if it is me or a school/student pick them.

    39. Betsy Thompson

      Giveaway

      I have read the authors’ other books and would love to win this one. Thanks for the chance!

    40. garrett

      thanks for the chance

      I love the opportunity for a chance to win these books, it would be a great read, still reading The riddle of Amish Culture by Don B. Kraygill, very informative

    41. Matthew

      Enter Me!

      Please enter me in the contest. Thank you, Erik.

    42. Debi

      3-Book Giveaway

      Please enter me in the giveaway. I’d love to win. I have read everything by these authors that I can get my hands on. I’m sure this new one is excellent as well. Thanks for the chance.

    43. Debi

      Please enter me in the giveaway. I love all the authors’ books. Thanks for the chance.

    44. Debbie

      Please enter me in the giveaway. I love the previous books by these authors. Thanks for the chance.

    45. Miriam

      I would love to win this book. I have been facinated by the Amish for years.

    46. Deborah Faulk

      3-book giveaway

      I would absolutely love to win this book. I am fascinated by the Amish people. One of my dream vacations would be to a large Amish Community. I respect their way of life and their modest dress code. I would love to learn more about their religious beliefs. Thanks for this opportunity!!!!

    47. 3-book giveaway and Q-And-A with the authors of The Amish

      I am surrounded by many Amish in the LaFargeville, NY Settlement. I would to win in order to learn more about who my neighbors are!

    48. Nicole Lemasters

      Three Book Giveaway!

      I would love to win these three books!!!

    49. Barbara

      Having lived on an Amish farm and taught in an Amish school in Lancaster County, I am very intetrested in reading this new book. I am sure the authors are familiar with my dear deceased friend, Abner Beiler, the bookbinder.

      1. Barbara you’ve probably seen this somewhere already but if not– https://amishamerica.com/abner-the-bookbinder/

        1. Barbara

          I had seen that and even posted my Abner thoughts in it, but had forgotten about it. As I read what Brad wrote, my memories were flooded with Abner and Katie stories. Abner’s sense of humor was so great and I still repeat some of his stories as I give lectures about Amish life to different groups where I live. My life has been blessed by knowing Abner and Katie.

    50. Barb

      Book sounds interesting — thanks for the chance to win a copy.