The Crucible of Ferment: New York's "Psychic Highway"

This book highlights the religious fervor and social activism that occurred during the nineteenth century across a narrow band of New York State from south of Buffalo to Albany. This region was the crucible for an active ferment that had its origin in the social, religious, and economic activity in the State. The haunting question is "why here?" Seven new religions, sects, and utopian communities were established along this narrow band of New York State, including Mormonism and Spiritualism.

Emerson Klees of Rochester, NY

Emerson Klees is the editor / publisher of Cameo Press. He is also the author of thirty books, half about New York State and the Finger Lakes Region and half collective biographies of role models of human values, such as perseverance, motivation, determination, resilience, and creativity.  He has a B.S. in electrical engineering, Penn State University, major: electronics, a M.B.A. from New York University, major: management, minor: statistics, and a M.A. in English literature (creative writing track) from the State University of New York at Brockport. For six years, he was an adjunct professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology College of Business teaching courses in entrepreneurship and business organization.

      He is a member of the New Society of the Genesee Historical Association, past member of the New York State Historical Society and the Rochester / Monroe County Freedom Trail Commission, as well as past member and vice president of the New York State Regional Publishers Association. His awards include two first places and two second places in the E.  H. Corron National Historical Essay Contest.