Thomas Burton – författare

Originally published in 1970 Social Planning Techniques for Town Planners introduces social research methods for town planners. The book places an emphasis on social research within the planning process, and addresses the problem faced by the research worker at successive stages of a research project. It outlines the major conceptual and organizational problems likely to be encountered in any social research for planning, and provides guidelines for tackling these. The book’s focus is on social science research methods and the application of social and economic research to issues of urban and regional planning and administration.

Originally published in 1970 Social Planning Techniques for Town Planners introduces social research methods for town planners. The book places an emphasis on social research within the planning process, and addresses the problem faced by the research worker at successive stages of a research project. It outlines the major conceptual and organizational problems likely to be encountered in any social research for planning, and provides guidelines for tackling these. The book’s focus is on social science research methods and the application of social and economic research to issues of urban and regional planning and administration.

“A snake handler convicted of the attempted murder of his wife by means of serpent bite is serving ninety-nine years in prison. The reader is gradually pulled into an increasingly complex story as Thomas Burton allows the many individuals involved in this event to tell their stories. Readers are less likely to find themselves concerned with what “really” happened than with larger issues they too will become involved in. this is more than a story about the headline ‘preacher tries to murder wife – with rattlesnakes!” it is a story of individuals struggling with their faith and their fate under the steady gaze of their God.” —Ralph W. Hood Jr., winner of the American Psychological Association’s William James Award in the psychology of religionIn this comprehensive, multilayered set of narratives, the story of Glenn Summerford’s fall from grace is told by its participants, through interviews, court documents, and other primary sources. Free of either prejudice against or romanticizing about the snake-handling Holiness religion, this book presents an absorbing story of a fascinating group of people, while allowing the reader to draw his or her own conclusions about Summerford’s guilt or innocence. The Serpent and the Spirit is a startling commentary on truth and its representation, religion and its expression, humanity and its flaws.Thomas Burton is professor emeritus of English at East Tennessee State University. He is the winner of the Appalachian Consortium Laurel Leaves Award.