The Amana People: The History of a Religious Community

This beautifully illustrated book gives an overview of the Amana community from its founding in Germany, first settlement in New York, and permanent dwelling in eastern Iowa. It focuses on Iowa’s Amana Colonies: seven villages that are the longest lasting of America’s communal groups. It gives an up-to-date account of the Amana Society’s successful reorganization into separate church and business organizations. A treasure!The German immigrants who settled the Amana Colonies of Iowa in 1855 brought with them a rich cultural heritage of arts and crafts. That heritage is explored and celebrated in this book.

This comprehensive title explores everything from clock making, furniture, and woodworking to basketry, caning, and carpet weaving. Full-color photographs by photographer Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret show the beauty that abounds in Amana, including gorgeous gardens and architecture. Together, the text and photos become their own work of art.