Through innovative interdisciplinary methodologies and fresh avenues of inquiry; the nine essays collected in A Peculiar Mixture endeavor to transform how we understand the bewildering multiplicity and complexity that characterized the experience of German-speaking people in the middle colonies. They explore how the various cultural expressions of German speakers helped them bridge regional; religious; and denominational divides and eventually find a way to partake in America’s emerging national identity. Instead of thinking about early American culture and literature as evolving continuously as a singular entity; the contributions to this volume conceive of it as an ever-shifting and tangled “web of contact zones.†They present a society with a plurality of different native and colonial cultures interacting not only with one another but also with cultures and traditions from outside the colonies; in a “peculiar mixture†of Old World practices and New World influences. Aside from the editors; the contributors are Rosalind J. Beiler; Patrick M. Erben; Cynthia G. Falk; Marie Basile McDaniel; Philip Otterness; Liam Riordan; Matthias Schönhofer; and Marianne S. Wokeck.
#760701 in Books 2000-05-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .81 x 6.00l; .79 #File Name: 0271020458256 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Excellent readableBy Chuck FurnaceAmazing book; well researched but not bogged down in munutia. Many of these early Philospher/Magician /Scientists walked a thin line between the Inquisition and advancing us out of the Dark Ages.63 of 67 people found the following review helpful. A Must for Occult HistoriansBy Christopher W. ChaseD. P. Walker's classic text is required reading for anyone who would understand Magic in the Renaissance Age. Walker writes clearly and simply; and focuses on two different categories of Magic that emerge out of Renaissance NeoPlatonism--he especially outlines Ficino's main ideas and the Pythagorian influence of music on principles of sympathetic vibration as a magical conduit. This is the best introduction to Renaissance Humanism and its role in the cultural history of Europe. If a serious but readable study is what you're looking for; then purchase this book.1 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Big disappointmentBy Genuine RedheadPedantic and poorly written; a ton of fluff. Wish I hadn't bothered; probably will put in the drop box at the local library. Not surprised it's no longer printed.
