Religion and Domestic Violence in Early New England: The Memoirs of Abigail Abbot Bailey

"This is an amazing study, a memoir which provides insight into family abuse in 18th century America. . . . a significant volume which enhances our knowledge of social and religious life in New England. It is also a moving contribution to the literature of spirituality." —Review and Expositor

"Students of American culture are indebted to Ann Taves for editing this fascinating and revealing document and for providing it with full annotation and an illuminating introduction." —American Studies International

"This is above all an eminently teachable text, which raises important issues in the history of religion, women, and the family and about the place of violence in American life." —New England Quarterly

" . . . stimulating, enlightening, and provocative . . . " —Journal of Ecumenical Studies

Abigail Abbot Bailey was a devout 18th-century Congregationalist woman whose husband abused her, committed adultery with their female servants, and practiced incest with one of their daughters. This new, fully annotated edition of her memoirs, featuring a detailed introduction, offers a thoughtful analysis of the role of religion amidst the trials of the author's everyday life.