Ann, the Word : the story of Ann Lee, female messiah, mother of the Shakers, the woman clothed with the sun

Ann Lee may be one of the most extraordinary and mysterious women in the history of Western culture. From humble origins in Manchester, England, where she was born in 1736, this illiterate daughter of a blacksmith became a visionary religious leader who was thought by her followers to have been the second incarnation of Christ. When she died in America at age forty-eight, having brought her faithful to a new land on the eve of the Revolution, she left behind a religious movement that was to have thousands of followers and become our most important and successful utopian community. Ann Lee was one of the most extraordinary and mysterious women in the history of Western culture. From humble origins in Manchester, England, this illiterate daughter of a blacksmith became a visionary religious leader who was thought by her followers to be the second incarnation of Christ. She brought the Shaking Quakers, or Shakers, to America on the eve of the revolution. When she died at age 48, she left behind a religious movement that was to have thousands of followers and to become our most successful and important utopian community. England -- Toad Lane -- Clothed with the Sun -- The House of Correction -- America -- The Mariah -- Niskeyuna -- The Dark Day -- The Journey to Harvard -- The Experience of Jemima Blanchard -- Black Guards -- Exasperating the Devil -- The Journey Back -- Beautiful Messenger.