Simple Gifts: The Story of the Shakers

by Jane Yolen, Betty Fraser (Illustrator)

A sympathetic account of the Shakers, their beliefs, their standards of conduct, their way of life, their legacy, and their decline

Genres: Reference

115 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Aaron West · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a year for my fascination with Shakers. All it took was a trip to the Pleasant Hill Shaker community with my husband and the rest is history. I'm not sure what it is that has so captured my attention and interest in them: their prescient egalitarianism; their progressive beliefs on race, inclusion, communal living, so on far ahead of their time; their somewhat regressive beliefs regarding self-control and celibacy (a layover from my own time being raised in evangelical Christianity certainly plays a role in my kindred relatability here); the fact that they were a group of misfits that burst out in broad displays of devotion and art punctuated with normal times of solemn order; their folk art, song, and craft; the fact that they were just an odd, curious little bunch formed and shaped by frontier Christian movements that dovetailed in ways with my own background...I'm smitten.

I have plans to one day write a book involving a Shaker or Shaker-like community, and this little book by the famous Jane Yolen was a nice little delve into the history and lifestyle of Shaker communities--at their peak in the 19th century, now but a memory and shadow of a religious life that was. This book was perhaps made for young readers, as it was quick and informative. But it didn't lack for interesting tidbits and well-researched examinations. It was notably published in the 1970s, so even from this point forward much has changed in the legacy of the Shakers.

If you're even marginally interested or curious about this group, this is a great introduction to them. It's short, easy to read, and informative in all regards. It also includes some great illustrations.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up because Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Kentucky is one of my favorite places. Yolen describes the origin and beliefs of the group that built this community. When I visit, I feel the joy Yolen places at the heart of Shaker life. Shakers valued hard work and simple living; I certainly believe in the first, and I'm trying to live more simply each day. The Shaker movement was founded by an illiterate English working woman, Mother Ann Lee, who brought some followers to America around the time of our Revolution. Their religion was firmly based on equality for people of all races and sexes, and, as Yolen writes, "they refused to parade their wealth so long as there existed others less fortunate than they." I definitely share and respect many Shaker values. I think Yolen does a great job of explaining this movement in a way kids 10 and up will understand.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hm. When it was new, in 1976, I was a member of the target audience. But I don't think that I would have found it interesting. Now, I find it fascinating, and only wish that it were newer. It's gracefully written, detailed but also concise, with charming illustrative art. It includes author's note and bibliography, and seems to be carefully researched and respectful. I'm giving it four stars and recommending it. (And I will do a little bit of further research to get more up-to-date.)