For nearly seven decades, Jane Blaffer Owen was the driving force behind the restoration and revitalization of the town of New Harmony, Indiana. In this delightful memoir, Blaffer Owen describes the transformational effect the town had on her life. An oil heiress from Houston, she met and married Kenneth Dale Owen, great-great-grandson of Robert Owen, founder of a communal society in New Harmony. When she visited the then dilapidated town with her husband in 1941, it was love at first sight, and the story of her life and the life of the town became intertwined. Her engaging account of her journey to renew the town provides glimpses into New Harmony's past and all of its citizens—scientists, educators, and naturalists—whose influence spread far beyond the town limits. And there are fascinating stories of the artists, architects, and theologians who became part of Blaffer Owen's life at New Harmony, where, she says, "My roots could sink deeply and spread."

Intellectuals as well as artisans are drawn to this place of science and spirit.

In a world that seems increasingly fragmented, J. Philip Newell calls us to a vision of life′s essential oneness. He invites us to listen for the heartbeat of God and to be part of a new harmony. A New Harmony is based on a Christianity more integrated with the earth and with the rest of humanity and we are taken on a pathway towards transformation in our lives. A New Harmony communicates across the boundaries of religion and race that have separated us and honours our distinct inheritances by serving what is deeper still—the oneness of our origins and the oneness of Earth′s destiny.

"The Angel and the Serpent is a book which combines scholarship and literary grace, and which recreates for us both the world of the Rappites and the Owenites.Ó ÑHenry Steele Commager, ÑThe New York Times Book ReviewÒWilson writes with clarity and humor and has given us a work which will be valuable both to the cultural historian and to the general reader.Ó ÑSt. Louis Globe DemocratÒ. . . exceedingly valuable addition to Indiana historiography.Ó ÑIndianapolis TimesHere is the story of George RappÕs German Harmonists and Robert OwenÕs IdealistsÑthe two vastly different communities that shaped the history of New Harmony, Indiana. Both the Rappites and the Owenites came to New Harmony to conduct communal living experimentsÑRapp expecting the millennium; Owen believing he had brought the millennium with him. Although the two men were motivated by different ideas, they shared the same goal: to see their people live together in happiness and peace. Their two experiments are probably the best known and most interesting efforts at establishing alternate or Utopian communities in America.

How can an entire town be haunted? The paranormal activity in the small, sleepy Midwestern town of New Harmony, Indiana, has been reported for decades. Nearly every building has a ghost in residence. Join author and paranormal investigator Joni Mayhan as she explores this mysterious town that was the site of two Utopian colonies and undercovers the truth behind the hauntings. Filled with personal accounts and true stories that will leave you spellbound.