Mormon Polygamy: A History

by Van Wagoner and Richard S. Van Wagoner

Book Overview

In this comprehensive survey of Mormon Polygamy, Richard Van Wagoner details, with precision and detachment, the tumultuous reaction among insiders and outsiders to plural marriage. In an honest, methodical way, he traces the origins, the peculiarities common to the midwestern and later Utah periods, and post-1890 new marriages. Drawing heavily on first-hand accounts, he outlines the theological underpinnings and the personal trauma associated with...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0941214796
• ISBN13: 9780941214797
• Release Date: August 1989
• Publisher: Signature Books
• Length: 268 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent history about polygamy.

Van Wagoner has written the best book chronicling Mormonism practice of polygamy from the time it was first instituted to the when the Mormon Church abandoned the practice, he also goes into modern day polygamists. The author gives an overview of polygamy's beginnings by piecing together the little evidence that exists concerning Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy. He discusses how Smith kept the practice secret from most the church and from the general public. He also touches on the little known practice of polyandry where some of the women Smith married already had existing husbands. The author then goes over the practice in early Utah and the Church's official announcement of the practice in 1852. Van Wagner explores the legal problems the Mormon Church endured during the years of practice. He then explores the reasons behind Church President Wilford Woodruff's decision to publicly announce the end of the practice in 1890. Van Wagoner also explores the Churches secret continuance of the practice between 1890 and 1904 and the final announcement of abandoning the practice in 1904 by Joseph F. Smith. Van Wagoner goes on to discuss Mormon break off groups that have continued to practice polygamy and their belief that Church President John Taylor had a revelation in 1886 saying to never abandon the practice. By reading this book people will more fully understand the history of the practice.

Fascinating!

This book reads somewhat like a textbook, which is probably good when trying to objectively understand historical facts. As a transplant to Utah, I wanted to know more about the history of the state & found this book to be beneficial in adding to my knowledge base. I am not LDS, but I can agree with other reviewers that the book presents an unbiased summary of Mormon history of polygamy. Job well done!

Balanced, Well written, through.

This book is an example of how good history is written. The book is balanced in its treatment of the Mormon religion in every way. The research is very thorough. Any student of Mormon polygamy or the History of Utah should read this book. It discusses every aspect of Mormon polygamy from its earliest days to the present, and perhaps the book's greatest highlight is that it does not shy away from controversial topics. A MUST read!

Thorough and objective research

This book is obviously well researched and documented, as evidenced by the thorough footnotes and references. The author does an excellent job avoiding subjective conclusions about the matter, and instead sticks to proven facts. The author does not insinuate that the current LDS church sanctions polygamy, it is simply a thorough look at the church's polygamous past, which can hardly be denied. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Mormon History.