Religion and Domestic Violence in Early New England: The Memoirs of Abigail Abbot Bailey

by Ann Taves

Overview

"This is an amazing study, a memoir which provides insight into family abuse in 18th century America. . . . a significant volume which enhances our knowledge of social and religious life in New England. It is also a moving contribution to the literature of spirituality." —Review and Expositor

"Students of American culture are indebted to Ann Taves for editing this fascinating and revealing document and for providing it with full annotation and an illuminating introduction." —American Studies International

"This is above all an eminently teachable text, which raises important issues in the history of religion, women, and the family and about the place of violence in American life." —New England Quarterly

" . . . stimulating, enlightening, and provocative . . . " —Journal of Ecumenical Studies

Abigail Abbot Bailey was a devout 18th-century Congregationalist woman whose husband abused her, committed adultery with their female servants, and practiced incest with one of their daughters. This new, fully annotated edition of her memoirs, featuring a detailed introduction, offers a thoughtful analysis of the role of religion amidst the trials of the author's everyday life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780253205315
Publisher:	Indiana University Press
Publication date:	10/22/1989
Series:	Religion in North America
Edition description:	Annotated
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Introduction

Memoirs of Abigail Abbot Bailey

"Advertisement"

Introduction

Memoirs

Appendix

Annotations

Editorial Reviews

First published in 1815. A devout congregationalist recounts her life with a husband who abused her and who committed adultery with the servants and incest with a daughter. This edition includes annotations on the text, and a long introduction describing the social, familial, and legal contexts of the time. No index. Cloth edition ($29.95) 35658-X. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews