Spreading the word
Book Description
In the turbulent landscape of nineteenth-century America, where civil war, industrial revolution, and rapid social change reshaped the nation, one organization quietly transformed itself from a modest reform agency into a powerful force for spiritual outreach. This compelling historical narrative reveals how the American Bible Society navigated decades of upheaval to become one of the country's largest publishing enterprises.
Peter J. Wosh crafts an intricate portrait of institutional evolution, showing how a single organization adapted its mission, structure, and methods to serve a rapidly changing society. Through vivid storytelling, he brings to life the diverse cast of characters who shaped this transformation, from wealthy New York board members to dedicated Bible agents who carried their mission across continents. The narrative spans from humble Kentucky meetinghouses to the magnificent five-story Bible House in New York City, illustrating how spiritual purpose intersected with practical business acumen.
This meticulously researched work draws from previously unexplored archives to examine the complex relationship between religious conviction and organizational growth. Wosh explores how the Society revolutionized its fundraising, corporate structure, and publishing operations while maintaining its core spiritual mission. The result is a fascinating study of how faith-based institutions can evolve and thrive amid social transformation, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of spirituality, community building, and organizational development in American history.
Who Is This For?
π Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
π Length: 271 pages
What You'll Discover
- β Explore Economic history
- β Explore Geschichte 1800-1900
- β Explore United states, social conditions
- β Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- β Explore History
- β Explore Economic conditions
- β Explore Publication and distribution
- β Explore United states, economic conditions