The Shakers: hands to work, hearts to God - the history and visions of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearingfrom 1774 to the present - Hardcover

Yet another study of Shakerism in America has been published. The material culture of this Christian, communal, and celibate sect is apparently a never-ending source of fascination for art book lovers. The text of the present work is well written and the period photographs of these people and their surroundings are immediate and moving. Ironically, the weakest component is the modern photography. This relatively slim general survey is thorough and attractive but pales in comparison with June Sprigg and David Larkin's more comprehensive and lavish Shaker: life, work and art ( LJ 11/15/87). Kathleen Eagen Johnson, Historic Hudson Valley, Tarrytown, N.Y.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.