From Library Journal
This commemorative book celebrates 164 years of temple building by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, beginning with the Kirtland Temple outside Cleveland and concluding with the Boston Temple, dedicated in 2000. Mormon temples, generally sited on prominent locations such as the 288' structure along the Capital Beltway in Washington, DC, are reserved for Mormon rituals and are normally closed to the public. Faith-promoting stories are emphasized here over studies of vernacular architecture, though a rather startling iconography manifests itself in 19th-century examples. A brief text on each structure notes historical background and includes excerpts from dedicatory prayers but ignores issues such as unflattering criticism and the opposition to these buildings from neighborhood groups. Utah artist Chad Hawkins's 70 drawings illustrate about one-half of the structures and are straightforward likenesses, marred by "hidden" images of a soulful Christ peering out from clouds, mountains, and trees. Best suited as a keepsake for adherents, this work is recommended only for large architecture and theology collections. Russell T. Clement, Northwestern Univ. Lib., Evanston, IL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
