From Utopia to Florence is a historical book that explores the story of a transcendentalist community in Northampton, Massachusetts, from 1830-1852. The book follows the lives of the community's members and their efforts to create a utopian society based on the principles of transcendentalism. The author, Alice Eaton McBee, provides a detailed account of the community's formation, its daily life, and its ultimate demise. The book begins with a brief introduction to the philosophy of transcendentalism and its impact on American society in the 19th century. It then delves into the story of the Northampton community, which was founded by a group of intellectuals, including the prominent transcendentalist, George Ripley. The community was based on the principles of self-reliance, communal living, and the pursuit of knowledge and spirituality.The book describes the daily life of the community, including its farming practices, education system, and religious practices. McBee also explores the community's relationships with the wider society, including its interactions with neighboring towns and its involvement in national political movements.As the book progresses, McBee details the challenges faced by the community, including financial difficulties, interpersonal conflicts, and the changing political and social climate of the time. Ultimately, the community's utopian ideals proved unsustainable, and it disbanded in 1852.Overall, From Utopia to Florence provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of transcendentalism and the efforts of a group of idealistic individuals to create a better society. The book is well-researched and engaging, offering a detailed and nuanced account of the Northampton community's history.Smith College Studies In History V32.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.