Mother's First-Born Daughters

Book Summary

A fascinating introduction to the world of the early Shakers, this anthology documents the contributions to Shaker religion made by women during its first seventy years. ..". an excellent collection of writings covering the period1774-1854... mostly in print for the first time.... Humez provides excellent andclear introductions, emphasizing the ambiguous role of women."? -- LibraryJournal "This very fine book is a valuable contribution toShaker studies, religious studies, and women's studies." -- Journal of AmericanHistory "The editor provides insightful commentary, but thepower is in the straightforward and powerful words of the women who founded andparticipated in this most religious American group."? -- The BloomsburyReview "Humez's work is a model of revisionist scholarship, critically objective and editorially balanced, and provides a solid introduction tothe early history of the Shakers." -- UtopianStudies "Israel, you have begun to bear for other souls, andyou must never give out, till the last soul is gathered in. When you get home, tellyour father and stepmother that your mother is risen from the dead." -- fromthe book A fascinating introduction to the world of the earlyShakers, this anthology documents the contributions to Shaker religion made by womenduring its first seventy years. It gives a more accurate vision of Shakerism andhighlights the ways in which gender can play an important role in the creation of anew religious institution.

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