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My Friends at Brook Farm   By:

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My Friends at Brook Farm by John Van Der Zee Sears provides readers with a remarkable glimpse into the unique and idealistic experiment known as Brook Farm. Delving into the lives of the individuals who were drawn to this utopian community in the 19th century, Sears paints a vivid portrait of their dreams, struggles, and accomplishments.

One of the most captivating aspects of the book is Sears' ability to transport readers back in time to the picturesque setting of Brook Farm. Through his meticulous descriptions, I found myself fully immersed in the idyllic surroundings, witnessing the beauty of the land and the sense of harmony that permeated the community. The author's prose is richly evocative, making every scene come alive with vivid details.

Moreover, Sears does an exceptional job of introducing the fascinating cast of characters who populated Brook Farm. Drawing on a diverse range of primary sources including letters, diaries, and personal accounts, he brings these individuals to life, presenting them as complex and multifaceted individuals. From the visionary founder, George Ripley, to the passionate and devoted members, each character feels authentic and relatable, ensuring that readers become emotionally invested in their individual stories.

While the book explores the day-to-day life and activities at Brook Farm, it also delves into the philosophical ideals that underpinned the community. Sears skillfully reflects on the central tenets of transcendentalism and socialism as embodied by the residents of Brook Farm. He sheds light upon the spirited debates and intellectual discussions that unfolded within the community, providing readers with a deep understanding of the ideological forces that drove its members.

Moreover, Sears does not shy away from addressing the challenges and shortcomings faced by Brook Farm. He confronts the tensions between the idealistic aspirations and the practical realities of communal living, highlighting the inherent difficulties in maintaining a utopian society. By offering a balanced perspective, the author avoids romanticizing Brook Farm and presents a nuanced narrative that reflects the complexities of the experiment.

While the book is rich in historical detail and offers valuable insights into Brook Farm, there were moments when Sears' prose became overly dense and scholarly. This occasionally made it challenging to fully engage with the material, and may deter readers seeking a more accessible account of the community. Additionally, the book could have benefited from a clearer chronological structure, as the narrative occasionally jumps back and forth in time, leaving the reader momentarily disoriented.

Overall, My Friends at Brook Farm is an engrossing and enlightening exploration of an extraordinary historical experiment. Full of engaging characters, vivid descriptions, and thought-provoking ideas, Sears succeeds in immersing readers in the world of Brook Farm. It is a valuable addition to the literature on utopian communities and a testament to the enduring power of human idealism and the pursuit of a better future.

First Page:

[Illustration: John Van Der Zee Sears]

MY FRIENDS AT BROOK FARM

BY

JOHN VAN DER ZEE SEARS

TO MY FRIEND

JOSEPH HORNOR COATES, Esq.

OF PHILADELPHIA

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I. THE OLD COLONIE

II. FRIEND GREELEY

III. A STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND

IV. A BAD BEGINNING

V. A GOOD ENDING

VI. ENTERTAINMENTS

VII. THE SCHOOL

VIII. ODDMENTS

IX. FOURIER AND THE FARMERS

X. UNTO THIS LAST

ILLUSTRATIONS

JOHN VAN DER ZEE SEARS Frontispiece

HORACE GREELEY

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

THE BROOK FARM CALL

"THE HIVE"

CHARLES A. DANA

THE PAGEANT

A PIONEER KINDERGARTEN

NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE

CHAPTER I

THE OLD COLONIE

In May, 1624, the Dutch packet New Netherlands sailed up the Hudson River to the head of navigation, bringing a company of eighteen families under the leadership of Adrian Joris. The immigrants landed at a little trading post called Beaverwick kept by one Tice Oesterhout, a pioneer hunter, married to a Mohawk Squaw. In a few days a party of Indians, probably Mohawks, waited on the newcomers and politely made inquiry as to their object in entering upon Indian lands without notice or permission; Tice Oesterhout and his wife acting as interpreters. Joris replied that they came in peace and hoped to abide in peace on friendly terms with the Indians... Continue reading book >>




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