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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful.
Fine series of bibliographic essays
By Anson Cassel Mills
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.
3 of 44 people found the following review helpful.
Buyer Beware....
By Anders Tronsen
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?
Product Description
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.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #838008 in Books
- Published on: 2001-04-18
- Original language:English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 9.15" h x6.26" w x1.02" l,1.25 pounds
- Binding: Hardcover
- 296 pages
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