Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A Mormon Example [Hardcover]

D. Michael Quinn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1996

Winner of the Herbert Feis Award from the American Historical Association and named one of the best religion books of the year by Publishers Weekly, D. Michael Quinn's "Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans" has elicited critical acclaim as well as controversy. Using Mormonism as a case study of the extent of early America's acceptance of same-sex intimacy, Quinn examines several examples of long-term relationships among Mormon same-sex couples and the environment in which they flourished before the onset of homophobia in the late 1950s.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Historian Quinn, a former Brigham Young Univ. professor and now an independent scholar, has written a book that is nothing short of astonishing. Who could have possibly imagined the tolerance with which same-sex relationships were accepted by the Mormon Church, as recently as the 1940s? Quinn carefully sets the theoretical parameters of his work in the first chapters and then demonstrates, with thorough documentation, several examples of long-term relationships among Mormon same-sex couples and the environment in which they flourished. His extraordinary accomplishment is especially notable for the subtlety of his claims and the nuanced interpretation he gives them, all supported by exhaustive documentation. Strongly recommended for any collections interested in American history, religion, or queer studies.?David Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Quinn's elegant book is a model of critical religious history." -- Publishers Weekly "A book that is nothing short of astonishing. Who could have possibly imagined the tolerance with which same-sex relationships were accepted by the Mormon Church, as recently as the 1940s? ... [Quinn's] extraordinary accomplishment is especially notable for the subtlety of his claims and the nuanced interpretation he gives them, all supported by exhaustive documentation." -- Library Journal "Quinn's brilliantly written, path-breaking study of same sex behavior and Mormon Church attitudes is essential reading for all historians of the American West, students of American religion, and serious analysts of homosexuality." -- Martin Ridge, Huntington Library "Thoroughly researched, comparative in approach, and subtly argued... Same-Sex Dynamics is a valuable contribution to gay, lesbian, and gender studies, particularly given its methodological sophistication and its focus on a region and a culture far removed from major urban centers." - Richard D. Oueletter, Religious Studies Review "D. Michael Quinn tackles a complex and controversial subject in Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans. The happy result is sterling scholarship, balanced interpretation, and insightful analysis. In short, Quinn offers one of the most important studies to date on the topic of American sexuality." -- Anne M. Butler, Journal of American History

Product Details

• Hardcover: 477 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press; First Edition edition (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 025202205X
• ISBN-13: 978-0252022050
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #771,536 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Pioneering Mormon, December 25, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A Mormon Example (Hardcover)

Excellent read, and hits the history of Mormon attitudes regarding same-sex dynamics right on the nail's head. As one who has had first hand experience with both Mormonism and same-sex dynamics, I can assure you this book covers the these topics with astounding factual evidence and is devoid of any biasing, or personal agendas. As you can see from earlier reviews by folks from the Mormon hub of the U.S., this book strikes a raw nerve with their own personal and religious agendas. As Quinn so often and eloquently states: "Physical orientation and sexual orientation are not moral issues, and majority/minority phenomena in nature do not involve natural versus unnatural categories. The exceptional in nature is still natural, whether the exception is left-handedness or the homosexual orientation of erotic desire." And, I also agree with him when he states "that every human being, even those whose values or behavior I reject, is of value to God and to me."

Oh, what a kind and non-judgemental world it would be if people would love each other unconditionally, and actually put into practice, not just in word but in deed, their religious beliefs concerning tolerance, love and understanding of each other. Until that time, we all need to accept each other for who we are and bridge the gulf of misunderstanding that often leads to intolerance and hate.

26 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishing., November 8, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A Mormon Example (Hardcover)

Best scholarship I have read in a long, long time. It is not often I can say a book actually made me see myself and my beliefs differently. As a believing Mormon I find Quinn's research into the "many silences of Mormon history" not only enlightening, but, contary to the Church's fears, inspiring. Bravo, Michael. ~Gail Richards Dedrick

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Exhaustive!!!, June 23, 2008

By 

Jared Christopher (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A MORMON EXAMPLE (Paperback)

Scholarly and exhaustive, this book will tell you more than you ever though possible about same sex couples in the 19th century LDS church. I think Quinn must have read every copy of the Deseret News and the Tribune up to the 20's. Amazing documentation and research.