The Amish

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8Without identifying itself as such, this book appears to be a reincarnation of a "Peoples of North America" series entry (Chelsea, 1986). The first hint comes with the introduction by Daniel Patrick Moynihan that refers to the current series by the prior series' name. Both books feature identical black-and-white photos, though the newer title offers better quality reproduction and an occasional rearrangement. Chapters and subheadings are organized quite similarly and share a proliferation of identical textual passages. Where revision has occurred, it is done either to update information, create a more smoothly flowing narrative, or adapt the text to focus more on U.S. than Canadian issues. The body of discussion centers on Amish history, and then progresses to coverage of current religious practices and beliefs, their rites and ceremonies, home and farm life, education, and a look at the Amish today. A brief, updated bibliography is appended. Doris Faber's The Amish (Doubleday, 1991; o.p.) and Raymond Bial's Amish Home (Houghton, 1993) provide good introductions to the more detailed information provided herein. This new book is a suitable though not significant revision; libraries that have the original title can easily pass on this update. It is unfortunate that the publisher does not clearly indicate the relationship between the two series to facilitate comparison and collection-development decisions for those without benefit of this "accidental discovery."Celia A. Huffman, Worthington Public Library, OH