Will Bagley

Will Bagley (1950-2021) was an independent historian of the American West who authored numerous books and articles about Western American history, particularly focused on Mormon history, overland migration, and frontier violence. His most notable work, "Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at Mountain Meadows" (2002), received multiple awards and sparked significant controversy for its examination of the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre. The book challenged traditional narratives about the event and Mormon leadership's involvement. Bagley served as a historical editor of the Arthur H. Clark Company's documentary history series "Kingdom in the West: The Mormons and the American Frontier." His other significant works include "So Rugged and Mountainous: Blazing the Trails to Oregon and California, 1812-1848" and "With Golden Visions Bright Before Them: Trails to the Mining West, 1849-1852." During his career, Bagley received numerous awards including the Western History Association's Caughey Book Prize and the Western Writers of America's Spur Award. He was also a fellow of the Utah State Historical Society and contributed regularly to the Salt Lake Tribune as a historian and columnist.

Readers consistently note Bagley's thorough research and direct writing style in examining controversial Western history topics. Reviews highlight his use of primary sources and ability to present complex historical events with detail. What readers liked: - Clear presentation of evidence and sources - Balanced coverage of multiple perspectives - Detailed maps and photographs included - Readable narrative style for academic topics What readers disliked: - Some found his tone harsh toward Mormon leadership - Several mentioned the books can be dense with historical detail - A few noted perceived anti-Mormon bias in conclusions - Some wanted more context around quoted sources Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Blood of the Prophets" - 4.2/5 (382 ratings) Amazon: "Blood of the Prophets" - 4.4/5 (156 reviews) "So Rugged and Mountainous" - 4.3/5 (24 reviews) One reader noted: "Bagley lets the historical documents speak for themselves while providing needed context." Another wrote: "Sometimes too academic but always well-researched and supported by evidence."

Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at Mountain Meadows (2002) A detailed historical examination of the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre, analyzing the role of Mormon leadership and local participants in the killing of 120 emigrants in southern Utah.

So Rugged and Mountainous: Blazing the Trails to Oregon and California, 1812-1848 (2010) Chronicles the first phase of America's overland migration west, documenting the experiences of trappers, missionaries, and pioneers who established the major emigrant trails.

With Golden Visions Bright Before Them: Trails to the Mining West, 1849-1852 (2012) Documents the experiences of gold rush emigrants during the peak years of overland travel to California, examining their journeys and the development of western trails.

South Pass: Gateway to a Continent (2014) Explores the history of the crucial Rocky Mountain passage that enabled mass migration to Oregon and California, including its discovery and significance in western expansion.

Always a Cowboy: Judge Wilson McCarthy and the Rescue of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (2008) Examines the career of Wilson McCarthy and his role in saving and modernizing the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad during the mid-20th century.

Bernard DeVoto wrote extensively about the American West and Mormon settlement, focusing on the expansion period of 1846-1848 in "The Year of Decision: 1846." His work combines deep archival research with attention to the cultural conflicts and environmental factors that shaped western settlement.

Juanita Brooks produced groundbreaking research on the Mountain Meadows Massacre and Mormon history in the American West. Her 1950 book "The Mountain Meadows Massacre" was the first comprehensive scholarly investigation of the event and established new standards for Mormon historiography.

Wallace Stegner documented the American West through both fiction and non-fiction, with particular focus on Mormon pioneers and western settlement. His work "Mormon Country" provides detailed examination of Mormon culture and its influence on western development.

Dale L. Morgan specialized in the fur trade and early Mormon history, producing definitive studies of the West's exploration period. His work "The Great Salt Lake" combines environmental history with cultural analysis of Mormon settlement patterns.

David Roberts investigates historical controversies and violence in the American West, including Mormon conflicts and frontier massacres. His book "Devil's Gate: Brigham Young and the Great Mormon Handcart Tragedy" examines similar themes of religion and tragedy in western settlement.