This fascinating book provides a detailed look at a variety of American communal societies, from religious communities like the Shakers to secular experiments like the Amana Colonies. Hinds draws on a range of primary sources to offer insight into the daily lives, beliefs, and struggles of these groups. He also provides context for their historical significance and their influence on American culture. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of American utopianism. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.