This semester I am looking forward to an independent study with Dr. Ted Campbell in the history of American Methodism. My first assignment is to come up with a proposed reading list for the semester. Here is what I have so far:
Methodism and the Shaping of American Culture
Perspectives on American Methodism: Interpretive Essays
The Methodist Conference in America (Kingswood Series)
The Story of American Methodism: A History of the United Methodists and Their Relations
Taking Heaven by Storm: Methodism and the Rise of Popular Christianity in America
Early Methodist Life and Spirituality
A Little Heaven Below: Worship at Early Methodist Quarterly Meetings
The Methodists and Revolutionary America, 1760-1800: The Shaping of an Evangelical Culture
Methodism: Empire of the Spirit
The Methodist Experience in America: A Sourcebook
Other than the source book above, I will also be adding several primary source readings:
A Compendious History of American Methodism Abel Stevens
Doctrine and Discipline the one that is annotated by Asbury and Coke
Selections from The Journal and Letters of Francis Asbury
The Sunday Service
This should be a great class!
Kevin M. Watson 
Looks like a solid list! In my Methodist history class, we used the Lester Ruth and Hempton books you listed. We also read The Methodists (Student ed.) by Kirby, Richey, and Rowe, which covered the episcopacy, conference, and members. I think that the conference section is very similar, and perhaps and abridged form of Richey’s work that you’ll be reading. Good luck getting through all that in a semester!
Great list. I look forward to more updates as you get going.
Brandon – Did you read both of the Ruth books? Either way, it sounds like you read some great books in Methodism History. Thanks for the good wishes on getting through all of this in one semester… after I added seven more books to the list, I will certainly need it!
Gary – Thanks!