The Story of the Mormons, from the Date of Their Origin to the Year 1901

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

2443

Title

The Story of the Mormons, from the Date of Their Origin to the Year 1901

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

William Alexander Linn presents a secular history of Mormonism from its origins to 1901, examining the faith's migration across the American West, its political ambitions, and controversial doctrines like polygamy through primary sources.

Summary up to 500 words

William Alexander Linn's *The Story of the Mormons* offers a secular, fact-based narrative tracing the trajectory of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from its origins in New York to Utah statehood by 1901. Linn critically analyzes primary documents, including Joseph Smith's autobiography and church periodicals, to provide an unvarnished account of the sect's rise, internal structure, and interactions with federal authorities. The work details the tumultuous migrations driven by persecution: first to Ohio, then Missouri, Illinois, and finally Utah. It explores the establishment of Nauvoo, the violent expulsions from Missouri and Illinois, and the perilous pioneer trek across the plains under Brigham Young's leadership. The text delves into significant internal church dynamics, including the institution of polygamy, the suppression of dissenting voices, and the role of Sidney Rigdon in the early preparation of the Mormon Bible. Linn addresses the 'Mormon Battalion' service in California, noting how members secured the region for the United States despite hardships. The narrative covers the founding of Salt Lake City, Brigham Young's governance, and the community's legal battles regarding plural marriage. Linn provides a detailed examination of the church's claims of divine destiny versus the reality of its struggles with neighboring settlers and federal laws. He discusses the 'Mormonism of today' as of 1901, analyzing the ongoing fight against polygamy, the Woodruff Manifesto, and the church's efforts to maintain political influence to prevent constitutional amendments banning plural marriage. The book concludes by assessing the future of Mormonism, noting its reliance on foreign immigration and the loyalty of its adherents as it navigates a changing legal and social landscape in the American West.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• History