The Shakers

by Wim Coleman (Editor)

In 1774, a band of English religious dissenters came to America seeking redemption and earthly paradise through hard work and good deeds. They were called Shakers, and their leader was a mysterious and charismatic woman known as Mother Ann Lee. They founded their first community in Watervliet, New York, hoping to convert others to their beliefs and communal lifestyle. This anthology presents Shaker contributions to architecture, furniture design, medicine, farming, craftsmanship, music, and other aspects of American life. It also introduces the philosophy of the Shakers.

Library Binding

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Wim Coleman is a playwright, poet, novelist, and nonfiction writer. His play "The Mad Scene" won First Place in the Script category of the 91st Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. Another play, "The Shackles of Liberty," was the winner of the 2016 Southern Playwrights Competition. Two collections of his one-act plays, "Nine Muses" and "Stages of History," are currently in print, and his plays have appeared in anthologies along with works by authors ranging from Molière to David Mamet. His book of poetry, "I.O.U.," was published in 2020 by Adelaide Books. Novels that he has co-authored with his wife, Pat Perrin, include "Anna’s World," the Silver Medalist in the 2008 Moonbeam Awards, and "The Jamais Vu Papers," a 2011 finalist for the Eric Hoffer/Montaigne Medal. Wim and Pat lived for fourteen years in Mexico, where they adopted their daughter, Monserrat, and created and administered a scholarship program for at-risk students. Wim and Pat now live in Carrboro, North Carolina. They are active members of PEN International; Wim is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and the Academy of American Poets.