{"product_id":"all-things-in-common-a-canadian-family-and-its-island-utopia","title":"All Things in Common: A Canadian Family and Its Island Utopia","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eIn the early 20th century, a utopian community called B. Compton Limited was established in Prince Edward Island, Canada. The community thrived due to its communal organization, strong kin ties, and millenarianism. The book explores the community's business ventures, religious and familial aspects, and its brief international fame before its dissolution in 1947. It concludes by assessing the factors that led to its demise and its legacy for its alumni and descendants. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 224 pages\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 28 June 2021\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: University of Toronto Press\u003cbr\u003e\\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the early 1900s, a small group of closely connected families established a utopian community in Canada's smallest province. Officially known as B. Compton Limited, this unique community was affectionately referred to as Prince Edward Island's \"brotherly love community\" by a journalist in 1935. Its longevity was attributed to various factors, including a strong sense of communal organization, close-knit kin ties, and a belief in millenarianism. Additionally, the community adopted a pragmatic approach to business, which contributed to its stability.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"All Things in Common\" is a captivating book that challenges the notion that all utopian experiments inevitably lead to dystopia. It provides a detailed account of the Compton community, tracing its origins back to the early 1900s and placing it within the broader context of North American utopias. The author delves into the community's business ventures, religious practices, familial dynamics, and its brief period of international fame. Through extensive research, including family and archival records, as well as diverse secondary sources, the author crafts a compelling narrative that sheds light on the community's successes and challenges.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key aspects of the Compton community was its emphasis on communal ownership and shared resources. The residents believed in the power of collective action and worked together to establish a self-sufficient economy. They shared everything from land and buildings to food and tools, fostering a strong sense of community and cooperation. However, this utopian ideal was not without its challenges. The community faced financial difficulties, internal conflicts, and external pressures that threatened to undermine its stability.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these challenges, the Compton community managed to thrive for several decades. It gained recognition for its innovative agricultural practices and its commitment to social justice. The community's religious beliefs, which emphasized the importance of love, compassion, and unity, played a significant role in shaping its values and practices. However, the community's reputation was also tarnished by its involvement in scandalous events, such as sexual misconduct and financial impropriety.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 1947, the Compton community dissolved, marking the end of an era. The factors that led to its dissolution are complex and multifaceted, but they can be attributed to a combination of internal and external pressures. The rise of consumerism and individualism in post-World War II society, coupled with the growing influence of the state and the media, challenged the community's ideals and practices. The community's resistance to change and its inability to adapt to the changing social and economic landscape contributed to its downfall.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite its dissolution, the Compton community left a lasting legacy. Its residents and alumni continue to be recognized for their contributions to society and their commitment to social justice. The community's emphasis on communal ownership and shared resources has inspired other utopian communities and social movements around the world. Its religious beliefs and values have also influenced various religious and spiritual traditions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, \"All Things in Common\" is a thought-provoking book that challenges the notion that all utopian experiments inevitably lead to dystopia. It provides a detailed account of the Compton community, tracing its origins, successes, and challenges. Through extensive research and a compelling narrative, the author sheds light on the factors that contributed to the community's dissolution and assesses its legacy for its alumni and their descendants. The book serves as a reminder that utopian ideals can be both challenging and inspiring, and that the pursuit of social justice and community cohesion is an ongoing struggle that requires perseverance and adaptability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 322g\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 140 x 217 x 18 (mm)\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781487525569\\n                            \\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ruth Brouwer","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44105390588154,"sku":"9781487525569","price":17.84,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/eae0b3173e8c9fc081bd32cfd9f6d937.jpg?v=1632971069","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/all-things-in-common-a-canadian-family-and-its-island-utopia","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}