Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Century I is a six-volume work published in 1930 by B.H. Roberts, who served as Assistant Church Historian of the LDS Church. The text chronicles the first century of the LDS Church's existence, from its founding through the early 20th century. The work originated as a series of articles in the American Historical Magazine between 1909 and 1915, where Roberts was invited to write a thorough history after successfully defending against criticisms of the Book of Mormon. Each installment spanned forty-two pages, with the magazine adjusting its format specifically to accommodate Roberts' extensive historical account. Roberts drew from primary sources, church records, and personal accounts to construct this expansive historical narrative. The project expanded from its magazine origins into a comprehensive multi-volume work, though initial plans for publication faced delays due to production costs. The text stands as a foundational historical work that examines the institutional development, theological evolution, and social dynamics of the early LDS Church movement.

Readers value this work's detailed research and Roberts' access to early church records and firsthand accounts. Multiple reviewers note his inclusion of primary source documents and personal letters that aren't readily available elsewhere. Readers appreciate: - Extensive footnotes and citations - Coverage of lesser-known historical events - Clear chronological organization - Roberts' fluid writing style Common criticisms: - Bias toward the LDS church perspective - Some historical claims lack verification - Omits or downplays controversial topics - Dense academic writing can be difficult to follow Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (47 ratings) Amazon: Not enough reviews for rating Reader quote: "Roberts makes no pretense of objectivity, but his thoroughness and documentation make this invaluable for serious study." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "The scholarship is impressive but the apologetic tone detracts from its historical value." - Goodreads reviewer

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1. 🖋️ Before being compiled into books, the chapters were originally serialized in the "Americana" magazine between 1909-1915, allowing Roberts to refine and expand his research based on reader feedback. 2. 📚 The complete work spans approximately 4,000 pages across six volumes, making it one of the most extensive early historical treatments of Mormon history by a single author. 3. 🏛️ B. H. Roberts served as Assistant Church Historian for nearly three decades (1902-1933) while working on the project, giving him unprecedented access to original church documents and records. 4. 📜 The author hand-copied thousands of personal letters, diaries, and official documents that were previously unpublished, many of which have since been lost or damaged, making his work an invaluable preservation of early Mormon history. 5. ⚖️ Despite being commissioned by the LDS Church, Roberts insisted on including controversial topics and occasionally challenged traditional narratives, earning both praise for his honesty and criticism from some church leaders.