The year 2000 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the publication of A Little Commonwealth by Bancroft Prize-winning scholar John Demos. This groundbreaking study examines the family in the context of the colony founded by the Pilgrims who came over on the Mayflower. Basing his work on physical artifacts; wills; estate inventories; and a variety of legal and official enactments; Demos portrays the family as a structure of roles and relationships; emphasizing those of husband and wife; parent and child; and master and servant. The book's most startling insights come from a reconsideration of commonly-held views of American Puritans and of the ways in which they dealt with one another. Demos concludes that Puritan "repression" was not as strongly directed against sexuality as against the expression of hostile and aggressive impulses; and he shows how this pattern reflected prevalent modes of family life and child-rearing. The result is an in-depth study of the ordinary life of a colonial community; located in the broader environment of seventeenth-century America.Demos has provided a new foreword and a list of further reading for this second edition; which will offer a new generation of readers access to this classic study.
#130073 in Books imusti 1999Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.70 x 1.70 x 10.10l; 4.65 #File Name: 0195107993749 pagesOxford University Press USA
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An excellent introduction to Islam (and yes; I read the whole book)By Robert HayesWhenever I get interested in a topic; I like to go "all the way" and devour what material I can to better inform myself. Such was my intent in taking up this massive tome. I don't consider myself religious; by any means; but the subject of religion is interesting to me. Islam; in particular; has become a huge point of contention no matter what side you consider yourself to be on. And; in reading this book; I found Islam to be more diverse and nuanced than any mass media or politician would probably admit. Does that mean I up and convert? No; but understanding something is better than wholesale rejection and demonization. As far as the book itself is concerned; I'm pretty sure this would make a good textbook for an Islamic Studies course; if it already isn't somewhere (after all; it IS an Oxford History). In telling the history of Islam; it is divided into 15 chapters (really; extended essays) that take a loosely chronological approach; but is also topical. The most valuable chapters to me were those on the earliest history of Muhammad; Islam's philosophical underpinnings; Shariah; theology; and (what was then) current/modern Islam. I also found the chapters on Islamic science; art and architecture to be quite interesting; further evidence of its cultural value. The chapters dealing with the rise and fall of the different Islamic empires was also valuable; but more of a World History refresher (and a bit dry at times). There's also a detailed chronology and selective bibliography for those who want to read further on the plethora of topics that the book addresses. I also appreciated explanation of the many Arabic terms that are central to an understanding of Islam; and which is reinforced by some overlap in the various chapters. However; if there's any one thing I took away from the book it's that; as a religion; Islam is as diverse and multi-faceted as its Judeo-Christian counterparts. It's just that nowadays; fundamentalists seem to have hijacked (for lack of a better word) the conversation and all of the media attention; reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices held by all sides. If there's one area where this book is lacking; but through no fault of its own; is the recent developments of Al Qaeda and ISIL as further neorevivalist/neomodernist movements. But as a pre-9/11 examination of Islam; I doubt you'd find a better; more concise; introduction to it than this. I'd like to close with a quote from the book's last chapter: "Like believers in their sister traditions; Judaism and Christianity; the critical question is the relationship of faith and tradition to change in a rapidly changing and pluralistic world." As I read through the book; I couldn't help but mentally draw parallels between Islam and Christianity as experienced here in the US. Hopefully; the various religions realize that they share a common struggle; even if the particular beliefs differ; and learn to coexist peacefully. Highly recommended for the serious (and open) minded reader; or student of religion.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Contains some remarkably stupid piecesBy Yasser S. AbououfHistories of Arabs and Muslims have to walk a line; often very fine; between ridiculous cheerleading and ridiculous hostility. This book; although edited and published by reputable names; has a number of pieces in the ridiculous cheerleading category. The articles on Islamic law and Islamic science are prime examples. You are much better served with professor Lapidus' A History of Islamic Societies or the late professor Hourani's A History of the Arab Peoples. I am disappointed in Oxford and Esposito. Nice pictures though.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Awesome on Kimdle iPad appBy Lover of HumanityThis a classic for the Kindle iPad app and is worth ; much much more than what I paid for it. More like about $50 when I look at the research gone into it and the effort to insert maps; diagrams; sketches and photos to truly make it an encyclopaedia of the history of Islam.I didn't buy it for human stories but for events and a general description of Islam down the ages but with detail as far as events and occurrences.I want to discover through history how Islam contributed to humanity and this is a great start. I already have a number of Qurans and other details about the Life of Muhammad so this was to compliment those with a historical;perspective not seeking great depth but it seems to cover even Baha'i and Babi religions so it's truly embracing and showing all the major happenings and effects that Islam has had on history.Just awesome and I'm thrilled that there's maps; sketches; drawings and photos both black and white and color to bring the book to life. And as I said it's worth much; much more than I got it for today. I feel I definitely underpaid for this as there is a tremendous amount of work done here.
