Die Old Order Amish

The life of the Old Order Amish has changed little over the past two centuries. With horse-drawn carriages, traditional clothing, and their archaic German dialect, they steadfastly reject all developments of the industrial and post-industrial revolutions. Approximately 85,000 people still live today in the USA and Canada according to the strict rules of the most conservative branch of the Mennonites. Silke Langwasser provides an overview of the fascinating history of the Old Order Amish. She vividly explains their origins from the Anabaptist movement and the split in 1693, their way of life, their reactions to the American Civil War and the world wars of the 20th century, as well as the social structures that have shown an unusual continuity over the centuries. Religious aspects such as worship, baptism, and burial, and their significance for the survival of the community are also addressed.