Extraordinary Groups: An Examination of Unconventional Life-Styles

by William M. Kephart

An interdisciplinary look at eight extraordinary groups of people throughout American history. Each chapter is organized around a sociological principle which is then illustrated by a descriptive explanation of the lifestyles of these unique groups.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Psychology

322 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[David Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extraordinary Groups: An Examination of Unconventional Life-Styles by William M. Kephart (St. Martin's Press 1994) (306.1). This is a textbook from some sociology class that explores unconventional subcultures. It's right in my wheelhouse! The author makes what could be extremely dry recitals into crackling good narratives about these bizarre groups. This features long-form essays about the following groups: the Old Order Amish, the Oneida Community (free love!), the gypsies, the Church of Christ Scientist, the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Mormons, and the Father Divine Movement. Author William M. Kephart writes like a normal person, and he discusses these groups as if they are sane and rational organizations. Of the groups described, I knew the least about the Oneida Community and the Father Divine Movement. To my utter astonishment, I learned (1) that the Oneida Community continues to exist in the present day as a maker of silverware (I had no idea that this was the same bunch), and (2) that Father Divine was an amazing leader of a truly extraordinary band of like-thinkers. I enjoyed this book very much. My rating: 7.25/10, finished 8/9/16. My copy is a (PB) in fair condition; I purchased it from McKay's for $1.50 on 7/25/16. PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

[Megan]

Loaned by Charlie after a conversation about communes