Perspectives on American Methodism: Interpretive Essays

Rating:
Summary: Collection of essays
Review: The advantage of this piece is that Richey, Rowe, and Miller Schmidt put into one volume thirty-two essays, some of which are hard to find. Eight the essays were first published in Richey's 1985 edited volume, Rethinking Methodist History; six of the essays came from the journal Methodist History. Essays are grouped chronologically into three periods- the founding period, nineteenth century, twentieth century- and one topical group: reforms. There are no surprises and nothing new.

Rating:
Summary: Collection of essays
Review: The advantage of this piece is that Richey, Rowe, and Miller Schmidt put into one volume thirty-two essays, some of which are hard to find. Eight the essays were first published in Richey's 1985 edited volume, Rethinking Methodist History; six of the essays came from the journal Methodist History. Essays are grouped chronologically into three periods- the founding period, nineteenth century, twentieth century- and one topical group: reforms. There are no surprises and nothing new.

Rating:
Summary: An impressive collection
Review: This volume is the single best collection of essays regarding American Methodism. It includes scholars such as Richard Heitzenrater, Leland Scott, Russ Richey, and Don Mathews. All of the essays included in the volume are helpful in getting at some of the key themes and issues that have permeated American Methodist history. The volume, however, is not a "history of American Methodism." It is, therefore, only accessible to those persons who already have a background on the subject matter.