The history of Jean de Labadie and the Labadists has re ceived attention through the years. That attention, however, has more often than not fallen short in its tracing of Labadie's 'double migration'. Disaffected with the established church order of his day and motivated by a sense of prophetic mis sion to establish again the life of the primitive church, this spiritual nomad wandered from France to Switzerland, then to the United Provinces, Germany and Denmark, according to the vicissitudes of the times. As he went, he changed his affiliations from 'high' church ever 'lower', from the bosom of Rome to Calvinism, then to congregational separatism. Thus there has been ample reason to treat Labadie's life and ministry episodically, be it a geographical or denominational episode, and a solid grounding could be had by piecing to gether several of these (all listed in bibliography part D): M. de Certeau on the Jesuit years; X. de Bonnault d'Houet on his stay at Amiens; A-L. Bertrand on the 'lost years' from Amiens to Montauban; J-H. Gerlach and W. Goeters on the schism at Middelburg; P. Scheltema on Amsterdam; L. Holscher and G.E. Guhrauer on Herford; J. Lieboldt and H. von Schubert on Altona; B.B. James and H.C. Murphy on the colony in Maryland; L. Knappert on that in Surinam; and any number of authorities on the Labadists in Friesland. Yet there are sig nificant gaps.

President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of September 22, 1862, did not apply to Maryland, as this state was not in rebellion, hence the local movement was necessary in order to carry out the policy of the National Government, and the Constitution of 1864, with its prohibitory clause in regard to slavery. The book looks at the political movement leading to the call of the Constitutional Convention; gives an account of the sittings of that Convention and the formation of a new Constitution; and tells of the acceptance of the Constitution by the state. --From preface.

Rebels and Renegades examines 350 years of history through the eyes of the uncompromising. Presented in nine clearly written chronological chapters, this comprehensive reference covers the major events and personalities in the history of extremism in the U.S. Besides chronicling the event itself, entries, ranging from 500 to 1000 words, include background information and historic effects. In addition to the chronology, sidebars highlight historical, biographical, cultural, and ethical aspects of the story, tying the past to the present. Topics include the influence of radical idea on the mainstream, the role of violence in radicalism, and the evolving relationship between radicals and the media. An extensive appendix of excerpts, transcripts, and full source documents round out the work. To see the Introduction, a list of detailed contents, a generous selection of sample pages, and more, visit the Rebels and Renegades website.