1 comments about The Enoch Train Pioneers: Trek of the First Two Handcart Companies-1856.

1. Written by Robert O. Day the author of "The Mormon Battalion"), The Enoch Train Pioneers: The Trek Of The First Two Handcart Companies 1856 is a thoroughly documented account of the historical journey undertaken by the Enoch Train Pioneers, which ultimately led to their settlement in Salt Lake valley. Black-and-white sketches bring additional life to the vibrant prose. Highly recommended for school and community library collections, he text for The Enoch Train Pioneers reads smoothly from first page to last as the story of this memorable bit of American history unfolds. Exhaustive appendices round out this fascinating narrative and historical reference.

5 comments about The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri.

1. This is the definitive book on the 1838 period of Mormon history. LeSueur is fair, and treats it as the historian that he is. As a strong Mormon, I view LeSueur as the most impartial of the many authors I have read on this period of Mormon history.



2. LeSueur's book is well written and provides much documentation, but LeSueur has an axe to grind. In this book, he suggests that the Missourians were fairly good-natured and that the Mormons were the ones most responsible for the escalation in mob violence against the Mormons and for the ensuing "Mormon War." This depiction is only possible by ignoring the history of the Saints in Missouri prior from 1831 to 1837, a period which receives about two paragraphs of treatment. But failure to understand prior persecution and expulsion from other counties in Missouri makes it impossible to properly understand the replaying of those events in Caldwell County in 1838. The Saints had already been through the cycle of persecution, appeal to apathetic state leaders, escalated violence by mobs, taking of arms in self defense, indignant cries of "insurrection," followed by government action against the Saints. LeSueur's case against the Saints loses much effect if earlier Missouri events are properly considered - and they are not.

   LeSueur's desire to implicate Joseph Smith with the misdeeds of some other Mormons, especially Sampson Avard's band of "Danites," also leads him to neglect major sources of evidence and to not even acknowledge the arguments raised in major works on this topic. The most significant LDS treatment of the topic at the time of LeSueur's work was that of LeLand Gentry, who provided significant and credible evidence that directly undercuts LeSueur's position. LeSueur speaks of many hours of discussion with Gentry in the foreword and acknowledges Gentry's work as being extremely valuable in the bibliographic essay, but never addresses the issues raised by Gentry. Thus, the reader is not allowed to even know that Gentry makes a case for two groups that were called "Danites", one being the legitimate community of Saints organized to perform various community tasks and later organized for self-defense against mob attacks, and the other being the small, secretive band led by the corrupt Sampson Avard. The latter group, the subversives within a larger legitimate group, is all we think of now when "Danites" is mentioned. Much of LeSueur's case is built on the assumption that all references to "Danites" are to a corrupt and secretive group, which LeSueur weakly argues was actually led by Joseph Smith and not by Sampson Avard.

   If Joseph were really behind the corrupt Danites, who supposedly swore to support Joseph and maintain secrecy or be killed, then we must wonder how Avard was able to save his own skin so easily by testifying boldly against Joseph Smith when Avard was captured by authorities after the violence in Daviess County. He told his captors exactly what they wanted to hear, testified to support every point of the state's case against Joseph, and was able to go free by putting all the blame for the misdeeds of some Mormons on Joseph Smith, blaming him as the leader of the Danites and the perpetrator of violence. Joseph went to jail for months because of Avard. If what Avard said were true, he would have been killed for breaking the Danite oath - but Joseph's only action against Avard was excommunication. LeSueur sees Avard's testimony as largely credible and sees the mock hearing in Richmond as reasonably fair, in spite of the spirit of injustice that prevailed.

   Contrary to LeSueur's allegations, Joseph opposed secretive bands like the Danites and did speak out against such groups, not just against Sampson Avard. His letter of March 25, 1839 from Liberty Jail clearly refutes one of LeSueur's arguments against Joseph. And Avard's own statements show ongoing opposition from Joseph, not support.




3. I am an active member and priesthood holder in the LDS Church. I'm electing to remain anonymous on this review as I don't want the grief that oftimes comes with supporting unpopular historical perspectives.

   The review written by Lindsay below is a significant distortion of LeSueur's book. The author does not portray the Missourians as peaceful and the Mormons as troublemakers, rather it gives a very balanced view that shows while the Missouri pioneers were easily stirred to violence, that the situation could have been much more peaceful if the Mormons had not engaged in several destabilizing activities.

   The book is very well written and steps one through the events that led up to the Mormon expulsion from Missouri. Along the way we are exposed to the perspectives of believing Mormons who tried to head things off and impart some sanity to the situation. Members who later were used as scapegoats by Mormon authorities, in order to somehow justify how things could have gone so badly for inspired leaders.

   The Mormons did suffer terribly and deserved far better protection from government officials. However the later histories written of these events were understandably tainted by the anger of those writting them. These histories have been perserved within the LDS Church to this day as being accurate.

   If one is interested in knowing more about this period, then I recommend this book highly as the single best reference available. LeSueur, who once worked as a historian at Brigham Young University, uses both Mormon and non-Mormon sources, balancing them nicely. This book received several positive reviews from both Mormon and professional historical societies.




4. I have read this book several times over the years and am doing so again at the present time. I have always wondered if the author is Mormon or not. The treatment is balanced and factual as far as I know and I have never been able to detect a bais in the author either for or against Mormonism. I was priviledged to live in the Kansas City area for about 3 years in the 1990-93 time frame and used this book as my reference in visiting all of the sites that were involved in the war and are discussed in the book. It was very helpful to me in this study and I recommend it to others.



5. This book shows a glimpse of pioneering attitudes in early United States history. LeSueur comes from a Mormon background, but shows that both Mormons and non-Mormons in this conflict shared in the blame. Both sides thought it was appropriate to use force to remove undesirable people from their communities. Both sides reacted to rumors and exaggerations and escalated the problems. Both sides showed belligerence and militancy. And both sides insisted they were innocent and the other side was totally at fault.
   
   Later, in the 1850s, some of these Missourians were involved in bloody skirmishes with their neighbors in Kansas - lasting through the Civil War. Meanwhile, also in the 1850s, Mormon Danites were still at work against apostates and dissenters in Utah. Also, in 1857 Mormons massacred 120 innocent men, women and children in a wagon train going through Utah at Mountain Meadows.

1 comments about Family exaltation.

1. Exactly what the title suggests. This 1950's book deals with the Church of Latter Day Saints (The Mormons) quest for Exaltation unto God Status not just for their personal goal but also for their entire family. The goal is expanded thru geneology to enclude the whole family of man back to Adam and Eve. Book explains motivation, methods and procedures. Must read for anyone seeking Equality with God or understanding Mormonism.
   Creat a world, Populate it, watch them struggle, Damn a few, gain praise for eternity. How could you refuse. Easily worth $10.00

1 comments about Royal ancestors of some LDS families.

1. Some suspect lines, and skimpy on citations. Redundant of such larger volumes as Moriarty, Cockayne, Isenburg, Turton, Redlich, and Weis, and probably not worth the high price.

3 comments about Rainhut.

1. I stumbled across this unknown science fiction novel. It's a fun read, but the underlying message of reality and our true place in the universe is what grabbed me. I can't help wondering if the message is true. If you are at all interested in religion or cosmology, you should read this book.



2. This was an exceptional science fiction book. It had mystery, action, adventure, and the style of writing that stirs the imagination. I love books that leave me with philosophical questions. The new places that the author invents are incredible, and the characters are unforgettable. This book is definitely worth the read.



3. I really liked this book. Its full of philosophy, religion, technology, and action. A great science fiction story will make you stop and think and this book does that a lot. I highly recommend it. I could not put it down.

No comments about A Guide to Mormon Family History Sources.

2 comments about Radical Origins: Early Mormon Converts and Their Colonial Ancestors.

1. Through exhaustive genealogical and historical research, as well as an interesting new hypothesis, Val Rust has endeavored to show that the roots of Mormonism extend well back of the 1830 date of the official organization of the Church. He has identified 583 of the earliest converts and carefully reconstructed genealogies and attendant family histories for each. The result is really quite fascinating. A majority of the earliest converts to Mormonism came from family religious traditions that uniquely prepared them to accept the radical new Church. Ancestors of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt and other lesser known founding fathers, have a religious heritage spread among the Antinomians, Seekers, Anabaptists, Quakers and other radical religions (including the Family of Love). Rust endeavors to show that a proclivity for free-thinking in religious matters as well as a family tradition of "seeking" a restoration of original Christianity was transmitted along family lines. Although treated elsewhere, I particularly enjoyed Rust's presentation of the strong New England influence on Joseph Smith's family, and the indentifying of specific congregations to which they belonged.
   
   To my knowledge, an attempt of this kind has never been made before, at least not on this scale. And it would be safe to say that Rust succeeds quite nicely with his hypothesis. While those unfamiliar to Mormonism may find find some of the references to earliest Mormon history a little arcance, there is no denying that he makes a compelling case for a people prepared to receive a restoration of the gospel. A 40-page appendix gives ther names of all 583 early converts in this study, together with their known ancestors through five generations.
   
   This is the kind of work that reshapes our view of history and encourages us to look in a different direction for an historical understanding of those spiritual forces that drive us all. We need more research of this kind.



2. Val Rust presents his theory that the ancestry of early Mormon converts had a disproportionate number of New England religious radicals. As evidence, he examines the ancestry of pre-1835 Mormon converts. He was able to find at least one fifth-generation ancestor for 583 early Mormons, about a third of the total. An examination the birthplaces of the fifth-generation ancestors reveals them to be overwhelming from New England and specifically from the towns and colonies associated with religious dissent.
   
   After an explanation of the methodology, Dr. Rust gives an informative tour of religious landscape of mid-seventeenth century New England. The first stage of that survey is organized geographically, going colony by colony and sometimes even town by town. A second sweep is organized by denomination. Anabaptists, Separatist, Quakers, and almost everyone in New England to oppose the Puritan mainstream are given brief historical and theological introductions. Whenever a name is mentioned, the author dutifully reports any descendants among the early Mormons.
   
   Technical concerns (why would the recorded ancestors be representative of all ancestors, why assume residents of radical towns are all radicals) are addressed only briefly. A central issue, the extent of third-great grandparents' influence on religious belief, is discussed in only two examples. Nevertheless, Dr. Rust's innovative approach is fun to consider. The real reward for me, though, was the well-written survey of colonial New England religion.

1 comments about Jerusalem: The Eternal City.

1. Excellent scholarship. Full of interesting little known (to my husband and me, at least) historical facts about Jerusalem and Israel. Helps with Bible study.

5 comments about Tangled Roots.

1. That it is all in the genes is certainly true as professional genealogist Alexandra Campbell and her loyal partner in genealogical detection, Briggie, solve yet another murder that has its roots in family secrets. Third in G.G. Vandagriff's murder mystery series, "Of Deadly Descent," "Tangled Roots" is the story of murder in the family line of steel magnate William Williams and his complicated descendants. Alexandra and Briggie are on the job as they race to discover his family tree which will reveal "who done it."
   
   The thrill in G.G. Vandagriff's mystery novels is as much in her cast of characters as it is in her story lines. Alexandra heart has flip flopped between Charles and Daniel, two complete opposites in the world of male attractivness, and the unsolved mystery of whom Alexandra will finally choose will ensure continued interest in her series. The ongoing friendship between Briggie and Alexandra and the complexities of Alexandra's family life are as intriguing and tangled as the murders themselves. As in all good mystery series, I find myself reading as much for the ongoing story of the characters as for the detection plots. I eagerly await Book Number Four.



2. This is the first book I have read by Mrs. Vandagriff and I loved it! The storyline was intriguing and entertaining and the characters have caused me to find the rest of her books!
   
   I would say this is a must-read for lovers of family history, a good mystery, or a sweet romance.



3. I read this book in July and loved every ounce of it!!!! Since I am a Genealgy buff myself, reading mysteries is right up my alley. Even though Alex and Briggie, along with her mom and cousin, had to use ancient methods of doing their detecting, it was great!!! Since I know GG, We can all look forward to more from Alex and Briggie. Thanks, GG!!! I loved the ending,as Alex is always very clever with her weapons. If you're into Genealogy and researching your roots, this series of three is just for you!!!



4. Love this Authors work, wow! Once you start you will be hooked on finding everything ever written by this author,consider yourself warned! This is better then chocolate and alot more fun then movies!



5. My used book purchase appeared to be a new book. It is a murder mystery, I never bought into it and did not care who the killer was.

5 comments about The Gathering of Zion: The Story of the Mormon Trail.

1. Wallace Stegner is one of America's great writers, and possibly the greatest Western writer. Contrary to some views Stegner IS a historian. His fluid prose and narrative style are reminiscent of the great Steven Ambrose. When Stegner turns his focus to the Mormon Trail the result is an excellent recounting of the Mormon migration west to the Rocky Mountains.
   
   Stegner clearly admired the Mormon Pioneers. His is an unbelieving but sympathetic viewpoint. This is demonstrated most clearly by his treatment of Brigham Young. Stegner's Young is volcanic, brilliant, powerful, and even empathetic; a truly Great Man with foibles.
   
   A bonus of the paperback edition includes prints of Thomas Moran and Frederick Piercy watercolors and engravings showing the Mormon Trail as it was in the 1850s and 1860s. These illustrations start in Nauvoo with the ruins of the Temple, and end in the Salt Lake Valley.
   
   The last chapter of the book is a modern-day (1960's) Pilgrim's guide to the trail. It describes how an auto tourist may visit important points on the path. There is an appendix with bibliographic notes (yes, this is a history), giving the interested reader a way to dig deeper. Of course, a lot of great Mormon literature has been written since the 1960's. Highly recommended are Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Bushman and American Moses by Leanord Arrington. For a 5-star treatment of the Handcart Pioneers read The Price We Paid by Andrew Olsen.
   
   I disagree with other reviewer's comments that Stegner was not a friend of the Mormon Church. He was a great admirer of these people and their accomplishments. One must grant that the unbeliever does not see a miracle in every event. Where the pioneers saw miracles, Stegner sees human strength and fortitude. This is a straight-on narrative. Those looking for anti-mormon conspiracy readings of the migration, look elsewhere; likewise those looking for faith-promoting Mormon Trivia. If you want to understand the struggles and celebrate the achievements of the largest single migration in American History read this book!



2. I am surprised to read reviews describing this book as anti-Mormon. Stegner was clearly a great admirer of the pioneers. Although the book doesn't fawn over Smith and Young, it emphasizes Young's strength as a leader. From my perspective, the weakness of the book lies in the focus on somewhat irrelevant details. Complaints about the quality of Stegner's sources are over-stated. True, he does not cite sources for each point made, but the major sources are primary.



3. The pushcart migration across the country is unbelievable(but true). How could people be so easily duped?



4. I purchased this book to give to a friend who is not LDS but very interested in the westward movement of the LDS pioneers. I thought this would be an objective and unbiased book of interesting facts and personal accounts, but I found it VERY biased against the LDS members, especially their leaders. I believe Mr. Stegner wrote his historical accounts in an era when it was popular for historians to find fault in the leaders of movements, ie, religious groups, publishing as much negative material--fact or hearsay--as possible. I found this book a pity to read and wished that Mr. Stegner were still alive so that I could post him a note and tell him so. Of course, I did not give this book to my friend.



5. This book is hard to read. The author's style is very sophisticated. There's too much uncommon vocabulary that is difficult to discern in context (i.e. it has to be looked up). The author seems to like long, complicated sentences. I found myself reading much stuff repeatedly before I could get it. As far as telling a story, the book assumes more knowledge of the Western Migration than I bring as a reader. Much of what might have put the story in context for me, is intentionally left out. This book is probably more appropriate for a trained historian.