Plain and Amish: An Alternative to Modern Pessimism

by Bernd G. Langin and Bernd G Längin

Book Overview

Bernd G. L ngin combines sketches of Amish origins with his experiences from months of living with an Amish family in Indiana. Langin is able to explain many aspects of Amish life because of his grasp of their Swiss-German language and their European customs. Includes a 32-page color photo section.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0836136659
• ISBN13: 9780836136654
• Release Date: June 1994
• Publisher: Herald Press (VA)
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Great book on Amish life and history

I bought this book probably 8 years ago in Arthur, IL in a Mennonite Music/Bookstore. If has been very informative and entertaining. About once a year, I read it again (I'm 1/2 way through it now). The only bad thing about the book is the binding on my copy. The color pictures near the back tend to come out after time. I don't know how to keep the from falling out, but I just make sure I don't lose them. It can also be a little confusing at times to read. The book was originally published in German then translated into English. I think this accounts for the hard reading at times (but not very often). The chapter on anabaptist history is fascinating. The author had access to public records in Germany, and he has a personal knowledge of the regions these particular Amish came from. I've read many books on the Amish. Almost all of them include a short history, but this is the most interesting by far. Also, the author lived with the Amish for a time. He ate with them, went to their church services and weddings, and helped them on the farm. He knows them probably better than any outsider does. He doesn't know the Amish on an academic level, he knows them personally. They have opened up their lives to him, and he did them justice with this book. In short, if you are interested in getting to know a little more about the Amish, whether this is your first or hundredth book on them, you have to get this book. It will give you more knowledge and information than most of the other books combined.

a thruout story of amish lifestyle and culture

I took interest in the amish lifestyle visiting an amish area in Indiana. I bought Langins book in order to outweight the popular and tourist atmosphere there. And the book sure did that.By now I have red the book twice and it is on my top ten of books you just need to read. Langin stayed with the amish and this book is a personal experience of amish farmlife mixed with detailed descibtions on the anabaptist history. His knowledge of the swiss german language adds a little extra to the book.In short - my favourite