Brethren Society: The Cultural Transformation of a Peculiar People (Center Books in Anabaptist Studies) - Hardcover

"This model study of a small denomination's history, sociology and anthropology will inspire scholars who study larger, less definable religious groups... Bowman provides a good chronology of events and shows the walls of rural protection, sectarian ethos and geographical distance breaking down." -- Christian Century

"A welcome addition to an expanding collection of scholarly books about 'plain people,' including Amish Society and Hutterite Society, both by John Hostetler, and Mennonite Society, by Calvin Redekop, all published by The Johns Hopkins University Press." -- Contemporary Sociology

In the first book ever written on the subject, Carl Bowman examines how and why members of the Church of the Brethren--historically known as "Dunkers" after their method of baptism--were assimilated faster and earlier than their Amish, Mennonite, or even Hutterite cousins.

"Brethren Society is unique, creative, and well written. There are virtually no other books to compare with it."--Donald B. Kraybill, author of The Riddle of Amish Culture

"Thoroughly and richly researched, clearly organized and cogently written. Bowman's account will be the standard reference on the subject for years to come."--James Davison Hunter, University of Virginia

"This brilliant analysis will shape the interpretation of Brethren history for many decades."--Donald F. Durnbaugh, Elizabethtown College