Utopia. New Jersey. For most people—even the most satisfied New Jersey residents—these words hardly belong in the same sentence. Yet; unbeknown to many; history shows that the state has been a favorite location for utopian experiments for more than a century. Thanks to its location between New York and Philadelphia and its affordable land; it became an ideal proving ground where philosophical and philanthropical organizations and individuals could test their utopian theories. In this intriguing look at this little-known side of New Jersey; Perdita Buchan explores eight of these communities. Adopting a wide definition of the term utopia—broadening it to include experimental living arrangements with a variety of missions—Buchan explains that what the founders of each of these colonies had in common was the goal of improving life; at least as they saw it.In every other way; the communities varied greatly; ranging from a cooperative colony in Englewood founded by Upton Sinclair; to an anarchist village in Piscataway centered on an educational experiment; to the fascinating Physical Culture City in Spotswood; where drugs; tobacco; and corsets were banned; but where nudity was widespread.Despite their grand intentions; all but one of the utopias—a single-tax colony in Berkeley Heights—failed to survive. But Buchan shows how each of them left a legacy of much more than the buildings or street names that remain today—legacies that are inspiring; surprising; and often outright quirky.
#897926 in Books Basic Books 2004-10-27 2004-10-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .51 x 6.00l; .75 #File Name: 0813342783224 pagesISBN13: 9780813342788Condition: NewNotes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Review
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Treat yourself...read this one!By Darlene T.I wanted to send this type of book to our nieces and nephews (all adults) as a Christmas gift because the action of many in Denmark and Sweden deserves to be remembered as does the need for such courage and decency. We have visited the Museum of the Resistance and seen a heavy full length coat riddled with bullet holes - the coat of a Resistance fighter. Not one bullet struck him as he ran. This book reveals the decency of the Danes; the Swedes and some of the Germans who "didn't see" the escapees and one who warned the Danes that the SS would start removing Jewish citizens of Denmark. His warning provided the time needed to accomplish the rescue.America lacks the record of helping refugees early in WW II. May we never face another failure such as the refusal to admit passengers on the liner; St. Louis; to disembark here even though many were refugees from Nazi terrors. The cause was the national fear of additional unemployment due to the Depression. Yes; times here were tough but nothing compared to the horror that Europe faced .The information regarding the author's preparatory work on this book is particularly interesting as well. As a former bookstore owner I read a fascinating study by Professor Oliner (U Cal; Davis) on altruism; particularly as regarded actions in the war. It was especially interesting to see his work referenced here. What was it; indeed; that moved people to action to help others when there would be only danger to themselves in so doing? Don't miss it.A Conspiracy of Decency will probably make you want to Thank every Dane and Swede! Bless them!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An amazing true readBy JONJORJNo one could read this and not be moved by the courage of the ordinary day to day citizens of Denmark. I have visited Denmark a few times; always had a lovely holiday; but; if I ever get to go again; I will be looking through different eyes. In a small country swallowed up by the Nazis in the War; the Danish citizens displayed courage way beyond anyone would have expected. Not only that but they openly despised the occupying Troops; to the point that even the Germans developed a grudging respect for the Danes; and developed selective eyesight or turned their backs when certain things went wrong. A must read. It illustrates just what a lot of"little" people can do; if they have the courage to do so. A must read; and I know I will read it again in the future;2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. UpliftingBy RussFinally; someone in World War 2 that retained control of their senses and didn't fall for the National Socialist lies about Jews. A very inspiring story about how Denmark reacted when the Germans announced that their friends; neighbours; and co-workers were to be rounded up and packed off to Germany. They hid them and ferried them across to neutral Sweden. The Swedes were very accommodating as well - far better in fact than the US or Canada; who summarily rejected all of the Jewish passengers on the ship The St. Louis. Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King on record as saying (about the Jews) "Even one is too many". This book recounts a little known part of World War 2 history. Well worth reading.
