Mormonism: A Historical Encyclopedia

Mormonism: A Historical Encyclopedia presents a comprehensive reference guide to the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Edited by historians W. Paul Reeve and Ardis E. Parshall, this volume includes contributions from numerous expert researchers and scholars in Mormon studies. The encyclopedia follows a chronological structure, dividing Mormon history into six distinct eras from 1820 to the present. Each section examines key developments, cultural shifts, and institutional changes within the church during its respective time period, with articles written by specialists in those particular historical phases. The work covers major events in Mormon history through focused entries on topics like the First Vision, the Book of Mormon, various migrations and conflicts, and significant doctrinal developments. Topics range from foundational moments to modern developments, including the 1978 Priesthood Revelation. The encyclopedia stands as an academic resource that balances historical scholarship with cultural sensitivity, offering insights into how Mormonism evolved from a small religious movement into a global faith tradition.

This book appears to have very limited reader reviews available online. No reviews could be found on Goodreads, and only 2 brief reviews exist on Amazon. The Amazon reviewers noted the book's value as a reference work covering Mormon history. One reader highlighted its usefulness for looking up specific topics and historical figures. Main criticism focused on the book's price point (around $100), which readers felt was high for a one-volume encyclopedia. The only academic review found was from the Journal of Mormon History, which described it as "a solid starting point for research" but noted some inconsistencies in entry lengths and depth of coverage. Review Sources: Amazon: 4.0/5 (2 reviews) Goodreads: No ratings Other review sites: No ratings found Note: This appears to be an academic reference work with limited circulation among general readers, which may explain the scarcity of public reviews.

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Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling by Richard L. Bushman This biography traces Joseph Smith's life while examining the religious and social context of early Mormonism's development.

The Mormon Experience: A History of the Latter-Day Saints by Leonard J. Arrington This comprehensive history chronicles the Mormon movement from its origins through its establishment in Utah and expansion into a worldwide church.

By the Hand of Mormon: The American Scripture that Launched a New World Religion by Terryl L. Givens This study explores the Book of Mormon's role in American religious history and its impact on Mormon theology and culture.

📚 First organized Mormon congregation met in Fayette, New York in 1830 with just six official members, growing to over 16 million worldwide today. 🏛️ W. Paul Reeve holds the Simmons Chair in Mormon Studies at the University of Utah, making him one of the leading academic authorities on Mormon history. 🗝️ The encyclopedia traces how Mormon doctrine evolved from early teachings about plural marriage to its eventual discontinuation in 1890, demonstrating the faith's capacity for significant change. 📜 The Mountain Meadows Massacre entry examines one of Mormonism's most controversial episodes, where Mormon militia members killed approximately 120 emigrants in 1857. 🌍 The reference work details how Mormonism transformed from a small American religious movement to a global faith with temples on six continents and congregations in over 160 countries.