Peter Brock Book order

A man just graduated from college and a young widow, Mrs. Abel, swim together at night, making their way across miles of open lake. The meaning behind these night swims and the narrator's relationship to Mrs. Abel become increasingly clouded as the summer passes, until the night Mrs. Abel disappears. Twenty years later, the man brings his wife and two daughters back to the peninsula, attempting to understand his past. As he rebuilds a world he's lost with decades' old relics, he searches for clues to the fate of Mrs. Abel and begins to swim long distances in dark water once again.

Now a major film directed by Debra Granik (Winter's Bone), which premiered at the Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals to critical acclaim.

Exploring the evolution of pacifism in America, this work delves into the beliefs and practices of various groups from the colonial period through World War I. It highlights the influence of religious and philosophical movements on the pacifist stance, examining key figures and events that shaped this ideology. The book provides insights into how pacifism intersected with broader social and political issues, offering a nuanced understanding of its role in American history.

The book offers a comprehensive examination of the pacifist movement in Europe, tracing its evolution from the Christian era to World War I. It highlights the activities and beliefs of various sects, including the Czech Brethren, radical Anabaptists, Mennonites, Quakers, and Tolstoyans. Peter Brock provides a detailed narrative that culminates in a working definition of normative pacifism, a typology of pacifism, and insights into the factors influencing the rise and decline of these groups.

Highlighting the Quakers' pivotal role, this work delves into their substantial influence on the history of pacifism in the United States. It examines their beliefs, practices, and the impact they have had on the broader pacifist movement throughout American history.

The history of pacifism in America is explored from colonial times to World War I, highlighting the struggles of immigrant peace sects like Quakers, Mennonites, and Dunkers in a hostile environment. The narrative examines the emergence of peace societies post-1815, particularly the American Peace Society and Garrison's New England Non-Resistance Society. It also addresses their responses to the Civil War, the postwar neglect of pacifism, and the revival efforts leading up to World War I, enriched by personal accounts of individual pacifists.

Focusing on the themes of pacifism and conscientious objection, this book offers a significant contribution to the understanding of these concepts. It showcases the expertise of a leading scholar in the field, highlighting the historical context and implications of resisting the draft. Through in-depth analysis, it examines the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals who oppose military service, making it a vital resource for those interested in the intersection of ethics and war.

Study of Gandhi's ideas on language, region and Indian nation