The Shakers -- officially known as The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing -- were, at their peak, a small but thriving Christian sect that lived in private, rural communities throughout the eastern United States. Only a handful of practicing Shakers remain, making it more important than ever to document their rich past and continuing influence. In The Shaker Village, author Raymond Bial depicts how the Shakers have lived, worked, worshiped, and evolved. His concise text and impressive photography, which features Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, compose a volume that is appealing and informative to readers of all ages.