Mormon History [Hardcover]

Ronald W Walker (Author), David B Whittaker (Author), James B Allen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 18, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0252026195 | ISBN-13: 978-0252026195

A companion volume to their massive bibliography "Studies in Mormon History", 1830-1997, this descriptive history by a team of top Mormon scholars provides a comprehensive view of how the writing of Mormon history has evolved since the establishment of the church. "Mormon History" offers an interpretive survey of Mormon historical writings, from the partisan and often ephemeral history of the nineteenth century through the shift in the first half of the twentieth toward a more balanced and professional approach and an emphasis on how the Mormons helped settle the American West. Since World War II the 'new Mormon history' has focused on broadening the base for understanding Mormonism's history rather than on resolving questions about religious 'truth'.In addition to laying out Mormon historiography, "Mormon History" examines Mormon biography and autobiography and discusses social science literature on the Mormons, including historical and contemporary studies of social geography, rural sociology, and agricultural economics. Two valuable appendices round out this volume, one on the development and nature of Mormon imprints, the other on conducting historical research in Mormon sources. Taken together, "Mormon History and Studies in Mormon History", 1830-1997 represent a milestone in recording, cataloguing, and assessing historical interpretations of the LDS church. They are sure to become the tools of choice in conducting research on the Mormons and Mormonism.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Three prominent contemporary Mormon historians from Brigham Young University have worked together to produce this definitive historiography of Mormonism, a companion to their bibliography, Studies in Mormon History, 1830-1997 (Univ. of Illinois, 2000). The emphasis here is on 20th-century accounts, though some attention is paid to the more contentious writings and biographical materials of the 19th century. The authors evaluate all sources evenhandedly and sort out the various schools of thought regarding the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including recent approaches. Given how controversial these topics can be, their achievement is especially impressive. Two appendixes evaluate print sources about Mormonism and reference sources relating to it. For novices, these sections are worth the price. Recommended for all libraries with American history collections. David Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"[The authors] assess major works, mostly in chronological order, and the basic approaches and perspectives that have governed Mormon history. Two appendixes review imprints, reference works, and bibliographies... Useful to almost anyone interested in scholarly studies of the Latter-day Saints." -- Choice "Three prominent contemporary Mormon historians from Brigham Young University have worked together to produce this definitive historiography of Mormonism, a companion to their bibliography... The authors evaluate all sources evenhandedly and sort out the various schools of thought regarding the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including recent approaches. Given how controversial these topics can be, their achievement is especially impressive. Two appendixes evaluate print sources about Mormonism and reference sources relating to it. For novices, these sections are worth the price." -- Library Journal "An indispensable and concise resource that deals with all aspects of writing and publishing Mormon history... Fresh, insightful, and learned and will no doubt influence a new generation of writers in this field." -- Peter L. Kraus, Utah Historical Quarterly "Three of the best LDS historians writing today have written a companion volume to their massive bibliography, Studies in Mormon History, 1830-1997. Written in a scholarly but readable style, they offer an interpretive survey of LDS historical writings from the partisan, highly-charged works of the 19th century through the first half of the 20th century, during which more balance and more objectivity emerged." -- Deseret News

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press (April 18, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0252026195
• ISBN-13: 978-0252026195
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,037,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine series of bibliographic essays, May 2, 2005

By 

Anson Cassel Mills (Lake Santeetlah, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mormon History (Hardcover)

This work is a fine guide for any non-Mormon contemplating a foray into LDS history. I've never yet read a bibliographical essay that read like a novel, but considering its genre, this is a nicely written series of essays full of valuable insights. Since the authors are all Mormon scholars, it is hardly surprising that the book gently leans toward "faith promoting" works and includes occasional sentences like the one that describes anti-Mormon literature as "generally filled with distorting emotion and `facts' that are either faulty or lacking context." (261) Nevertheless, an educated reader can easily triangulate around this genial bias and learn much about the history of the Latter-day Saints in the process.

2 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Buyer Beware...., September 23, 2005

By 

Anders Tronsen (Carnation, Washington United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mormon History (Hardcover)

Books about Moism/ any religion seem to follow one of two paths: FOR -or- AGAINST. Books written by 'the faithful' are generally sugar-coated, a whitewash of LDS - Mormon History.
There are deep, dark secrets regarding Moism...Things such as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Circleville Massacre, JS's & BY's Radical statements, Polygamy/Polyandry, etc.
Many church GAs are vocal about -regarding "Patriotism", 'duty to country' etc., but were notably AWOL from participation in WWII, Viet Nam, etc (are you listening, xxx?). The LDS church, it members & leaders, despite statements about-regarding a supposed anti-slavery position, largely SAT OUT the U.S. "Civil" War.
Backing a winner AFTER the war's over is so much more Convenient, isn't it?