Pennsylvania Books

This book is an excellent historical reference on Henry Chapman Mercer and the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. Many fine photos accompany very informative writing.

Fichtenau quotes William of Conches in the introduction: 'They prefer to remain ignorant rather than consult others, and when they know that someone is engaging in research, they shout that he is a heretic.' The charge of heresy was not uncommon in the late Middle Ages, that period of history that was precursor to both the Renaissance and the Reformation. However, as Fichtenau demonstrates, 'the medieval worldview was never as uniform as it might appear from the modern perspective.' In this broad historical period, perhaps the most contentious were the eleventh and twelfth centuries, a period that came after generations of relative stability and entered into crises of faith and innovations in science and technology.

One of the catalysts for this change was the growth of advanced schools, the forerunners of modern universities, where (not without difficulty and the more than occasional charge of heresy) new ideas and ways of thinking were introduced and developed. In Fichtenau's third section, 'The Realm of Reason', he looks at the early Scholastics (who were not immune from the charge of heresy) as well as other ideas that came out of both Platonic and Aristotelian philosophical schools. Fichtenau's first two section develop the religious and heretic ideas: specific heresies such as the Cathars, more general discussion about the genesis and development of heretical systems and communities, religious and philosophical mythological paradigms, and the use of the bible in these different ways.

One important element in all of this discussion, according to Fichtenau, is to remember that many of the elements lifted up for study out of medieval Europe in fact involved a small number of people. 'Catharism, Platonism, and religious spirituality were distinct phenomena. They did not define the twelfth century; indeed they are only associated with relatively small groups of individuals. That these modes of thought could coexist side by side, however, testifies to the unique niche occupied by this century in European history.' The diversity within the seeming uniformity of Christendom would become a permanent feature.

Fichtenau's work is scholarly rigourous, and the translation by Denise Kaiser very readable and engaging. There are extensive notes, a good index, and a useful select bibliography of primary and secondary works. This work both helps introduce and significantly deepens the understanding of a lesser-studied period of history in Western culture, in a fascinating way.

What's that? You're interested in learning about Hersheypark's past and present? Well, this book has it all! Jam packed with photos and descriptions of rides, landscape, and people, this book will keep you entertained for hours! Do yourself a favor, buy this book! You will not regret it!

For anyone interested in the York County Hex Murder and a look into pow-wow medicine in latter 20th century York County, this is an excellent source. The first part of the book describes the trials and tribulations of John Blymire, his bad luck and ill health, leading up to him being convinced that he was hexed by Nelson Rehmeyer. It relates how he murdered Rehmeyer and the subsequent trials of himself and his two accomplices. In the second part of the book, the author describes how pow-wow medicne is still practiced in central Pennsylvania today. All in all, a very readable and informative book. Not necessarily a book for those interrested in deep dark occult secrets but rather the relation of a historic tale and a description of modern beliefs in an old faith healing practice.

"...throughout the book there is an orientation toward Lancaster County genealogy, with a lot of pertinent and historically correct identification of family backgrounds in Europe....The wider extent of German eighteenth century emigration is treated...and [Eshleman] is careful to give material on the spread of the Pennsylvania German population, particularly the sects, to Virginia and other parts of the South."--Don Yoder, The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine, XXVI:3 (1970)

As an amateur historian, and fan of covered bridges, I found this book fascinating. There are at least 2 (and usually 3) old photos on each page. How fascinating it was to see bridges that I've driven across or seen on my travels around PA as they appeared 100 years ago. It's especially cool to see a covered bridge once stood where a steel bridge stands today. Included is a review of railroad and canal bridges.

Roger Moss's new book on the historic house museums in greater Philadelphia fills a void that has existed for a long time. From the turn of the century through the 1920's there were many guides published to help a newly mobile society re-discover the landmarks that the new highways were both making more accessible and threatening. The Bicentennial did not bring a major updating of the available literature, but it did give many local historical societies and sites a major boost. This new book spotlights many of the smaller house museums in groupings meant to encourage touring. While not an architectural guide, the design of the buildings is given equal emphasis with descriptions of the history and collections. There are many interesting themes that are independent of specific buildings. The introduction recaps the history of historic preservation in Philadelphia in the context of the national movement, with the early effort to preserve Independence Hall and other 's! hrines' of democracy. A theme of this topic is the relationship of private citizens and the government. Many of the sites described are only still in existence due to the efforts of concerned individuals, families, or grass roots organizations. Women play a particularly important role, again through individual efforts or through groups such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames, or women's groups connected with museums. The huge number (relatively speaking) of historic sites in the immediate area makes any kind of guide a daunting proposition. Moss cites almost 200 house museums alone. His criteria for inclusion in this book consisted of location, original use as a residence, being open to the public without a special appointment, and finally, those houses where the interiors and collections are also distinguished. The fifty properties are grouped geographically to encourage visitation of multiple sites in one trip. The text aids in planning da! y trips. The text is very informative, with the themes pr! eviously mentioned, and interesting anecdotal information. For example, an owner of the Physick House stripped out most of the original woodwork because of her phobia about dust. The Barclay Farmstead is a 32 acre park in the middle of Cherry Hill, The Solitude sits in the middle of the Philadelphia Zoo, Woodlands in a cemetery. Harriton in Bryn Mawr was originally a tobacco plantation with slaves. Henry Mercer's 44 room house in Doylestown with 44 rooms 200 windows and 18 fireplaces is built entirely of reinforced concrete. The generous support of the Barra Foundation ensured that the production of the book is of the highest quality, and available at a moderate price. The photography by the noted local architectural specialist Tom Crane is first rate. In combination with the text the illustrations are a strong enticement to take a few weeks off, hop in a car, and start checking off the list.

The authors of this book have done an immeasurable job in explaining the architecture, historic background, maintenance, and problems regarding beloved Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. This section of the city is perhaps revered as Boston's Back Bay or London's Bloomsbury. This section of the city is still prestige for residents. I bought this book for research regarding Philadelhia and it is a treasure. I won't say how much I spent on it but it's the most expensive book that I have and it's not even autographed by the authors. Regardless, it's a treasure I won't give up.

I don't have the time right now to do this book justice, but I recall that my reaction to it was that it has been too much overlooked by Whitman scholars. There are insights here still to be claimed.

If you want to get an excellent idea about the history of the domestic interior, this is the book for you. Every type of dwelling is to be found, with exquisite detail. From the very simple, to the palatial, one finds great delight in these wonderful watercolors. Culled from the domestic interiors of Europe, the Continent, Russia and America, these historic records give the reader an extrodinary glimpse into the past. It is an accurate record of the most minute details, from the floors to the paintings on the walls. Scholarly enough for students of Interior Design? Yes; but why should they have all the fun?