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Amish Home
Strong, lyrical photographs and sensitive text detail the life of the Amish, showing their homes, traditions, and handiworks, all of which display the strength and practical optimism by which they live.
- GenresAmishNonfiction
40 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 1995
About the author
Raymond Bial
120 books24 followersAuthor and photographer Raymond Bial (1948-2021) has been creating acclaimed books for children and adults for more than thirty years. His books have been published by Houghton Mifflin, Scholastic, Walker & Company, Marshall Cavendish, Crickhollow Books, and other fine publishers and university presses. Raymond also makes images on assignment, and his stock photographs have been used by book publishers such as National Geographic, advertising agencies such as Leo Burnett, and media such as PBS.
Raymond’s most recent books are Ellis Island: Coming to the Land of Liberty, which is an excellent companion volume to Tenement: Immigrant Life on the Lower East Side; The Shaker Village, a lovely collection of color photographs depicting the simplicity and grace of this remarkable utopian community; a lovely paperback edition of Where Lincoln Walked published in honor of the bicentennial of the birth of this great president; Dripping Blood Cave and Other Ghostly Stories, the third volume in a popular series of ghost stories for young readers; and Rescuing Rover: Saving America’s Dogs, which has been selected for the Junior Literary Guild Book Club. Rescuing Rover is currently receiving high praise across the country.
Chigger, his most recent novel, is receiving fine reviews from readers, young and old alike. Anyone who likes to root for the underdog will love this sweet story of an unforgettable girl.
Raymond’s most recent books are Ellis Island: Coming to the Land of Liberty, which is an excellent companion volume to Tenement: Immigrant Life on the Lower East Side; The Shaker Village, a lovely collection of color photographs depicting the simplicity and grace of this remarkable utopian community; a lovely paperback edition of Where Lincoln Walked published in honor of the bicentennial of the birth of this great president; Dripping Blood Cave and Other Ghostly Stories, the third volume in a popular series of ghost stories for young readers; and Rescuing Rover: Saving America’s Dogs, which has been selected for the Junior Literary Guild Book Club. Rescuing Rover is currently receiving high praise across the country.
Chigger, his most recent novel, is receiving fine reviews from readers, young and old alike. Anyone who likes to root for the underdog will love this sweet story of an unforgettable girl.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 28, 2020
A very informative and easy read with bright, colorful photos that is ideal for those looking to learn about Amish home life. Although brief in text, it’s fairly comprehensive in its coverage, and is suitable for older children and up. It could also be read aloud to younger children with accompanying discussions on Amish, rural, and religious lifestyles.
I see this is one book in a series by this author; I plan to check out the others as well.
I see this is one book in a series by this author; I plan to check out the others as well.
November 17, 2021
It was a good little insight into this way of life. It provides info about them as a people to help us understand them more. I wish the pics had been better and showed more of their lifestyle. They weren’t good..
They don’t allow themselves to be photographed, because it’s prideful to draw attention to yourself.
They don’t place any value on worldly possessions.
They are often called the plain people.
They don’t believe in depriving themselves like the Puritans and other religions. They enjoy good food and social activities. They don’t oppose progress but strictly adhere to their beliefs.
They believe they have to live apart, so they consider themselves in the world but not of it.
They don’t object to electricity which can be used in business but they don’t want TV or radio to threaten family life. They don’t oppose phones but don’t want people to stop going to the trouble to visit because of the convenience of a phone in the home.
Their homes are white without shutters or fancy trim. They can have blue or green curtains but the fabric can’t have a pattern. They can wear all kinds of colored dress, just no patterns.
The head coverings women and girls wear symbolize deference to God and man. Men are head of household and occupy leadership roles, but men and women are considered equal partners and treat each other with respect. Women co-own farms and manage financial matters.
Houses have fridges and stoves and they can use gas but not electricity. Propane lanterns are used instead of oil lamps now. They don’t have central heating, and many homes have gas stoves in the living room instead of wood heat. The upstairs get cold in the winter. Bedrooms are plainly furnished except for quilts in bold colors and geometric designs.
They educate their own kids and do not go past 8th grade, focusing on crafts they will use in life.
They don’t allow themselves to be photographed, because it’s prideful to draw attention to yourself.
They don’t place any value on worldly possessions.
They are often called the plain people.
They don’t believe in depriving themselves like the Puritans and other religions. They enjoy good food and social activities. They don’t oppose progress but strictly adhere to their beliefs.
They believe they have to live apart, so they consider themselves in the world but not of it.
They don’t object to electricity which can be used in business but they don’t want TV or radio to threaten family life. They don’t oppose phones but don’t want people to stop going to the trouble to visit because of the convenience of a phone in the home.
Their homes are white without shutters or fancy trim. They can have blue or green curtains but the fabric can’t have a pattern. They can wear all kinds of colored dress, just no patterns.
The head coverings women and girls wear symbolize deference to God and man. Men are head of household and occupy leadership roles, but men and women are considered equal partners and treat each other with respect. Women co-own farms and manage financial matters.
Houses have fridges and stoves and they can use gas but not electricity. Propane lanterns are used instead of oil lamps now. They don’t have central heating, and many homes have gas stoves in the living room instead of wood heat. The upstairs get cold in the winter. Bedrooms are plainly furnished except for quilts in bold colors and geometric designs.
They educate their own kids and do not go past 8th grade, focusing on crafts they will use in life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2009
This is a great picture style book for anybody who is interested in the basic lifestyle of the Amish. Filled with great photographs, the author does a nice job of explaining the interesting differences that the Amish enjoy from the "English". Not meant as a in-depth resource, but more of a casual coffee table style book. A nice book to add to your collection.
January 23, 2024
This was a really neat book. I like learning about the Amish
March 23, 2024
A children's book. I was hoping for a more adult description of how the Amish live.
Lovely photos
Lovely photos
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May 19, 2008973.08 Bia
June 24, 2010
This author does a great job of writing historical books with beautiful photos of the settings taken today.
March 10, 2011
A quick view at the Amish people who I have observed on three different occasions when in the East. It is interesting to see a people keep their own traditions in a worldly time.
May 8, 2012
Very informative book about the Amish way of life.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews