Presents the history and culture of Amish communities in the United States.

I: Foundations -- Models for understanding Amish society -- The birth of Amish society -- To America -- II: Stability and fulfillment -- The Amish charter -- The community -- Agriculture and subsistence -- The Amish family -- Child nurture and training -- The life ceremonies -- Ritual integration of the community -- The symbolism of community and custom -- III: Patterns of change -- Government and the Amish -- Change and fragmentation -- Deviation and vulnerability -- Health and healing -- Backstage Amish life -- Response to change -- IV: Survival -- The discourse with survival.