Publisher's Synopsis
Samantha Among the Brethren is a novel written by Marietta Holley under the pseudonym of Josiah Allen's Wife. The book was first published in 1890 and is a satirical look at the religious practices and beliefs of the Shaker community in the late 19th century.The story follows Samantha Allen, a middle-aged woman from New York who travels to the Shaker community in the fictional town of Zoar, Ohio. Samantha is curious about the Shakers' way of life and decides to spend some time living among them to learn more about their beliefs and practices.Samantha's experiences in the Shaker community are both humorous and thought-provoking. She observes their strict adherence to celibacy, their unique style of worship, and their communal way of life. She also witnesses the conflicts and tensions that arise within the community, as well as the challenges they face in the outside world.Throughout the book, Samantha provides a satirical commentary on the Shakers' beliefs and practices, as well as on religion and spirituality more broadly. She also reflects on her own beliefs and values, and how they compare to those of the Shakers.Overall, Samantha Among the Brethren is a witty and insightful look at religion, community, and human nature. It remains a classic of American literature and a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Shakers.1897. With illustrations. Samantha Among the Brethren is an extremely funny and satirical look at male attitudes toward woman, especially those concerned with women's input into church matters. Holley's protagonist, Samantha, has a discussion with her husband, Josiah, concerning the limited role of women in the church. It is through this discussion that Holley is able to make light of many of the inconsistencies in the church doctrine that excludes women from positions of power and decision making.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.