SAINTS
1815-1846
THE STANDARD OF TRUTH
Long list of editors and writers
Intellectual Reserve, Inc., 2018, 699 pages
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the major historical events reviewed in this book will be familiar. The writers also included are many details lost to most of us who are not focused historians. The macro-timeline is woven together with micro-histories of individuals both central to, and on the periphery of, depicted events. The book is very factual, but written in a way for the lay reader to move along with the story.
Though the work is historically weighty and heavily researched by a cadre of academics, the read does not feel daunting. For me, there are many particulars included that help better understand why the people involved may have taken positions and actions they did. Their stories seem more humanized. The editors’ efforts at keeping larger regional, national and international contexts in the narrative also made the story more understandable for me.
The work begins with the early life of Joseph Smith and the larger Smith family. It ends just after his martyrdom, and that of his brother Hyrum. Whether one ascribes to the doctrine or organization of the church, the book offers valuable insight into a critical time in American history. It also may help the reader better understand the appeal of a church that has grown globally from very humble beginnings.
1815-1846
THE STANDARD OF TRUTH
Long list of editors and writers
Intellectual Reserve, Inc., 2018, 699 pages
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the major historical events reviewed in this book will be familiar. The writers also included are many details lost to most of us who are not focused historians. The macro-timeline is woven together with micro-histories of individuals both central to, and on the periphery of, depicted events. The book is very factual, but written in a way for the lay reader to move along with the story.
Though the work is historically weighty and heavily researched by a cadre of academics, the read does not feel daunting. For me, there are many particulars included that help better understand why the people involved may have taken positions and actions they did. Their stories seem more humanized. The editors’ efforts at keeping larger regional, national and international contexts in the narrative also made the story more understandable for me.
The work begins with the early life of Joseph Smith and the larger Smith family. It ends just after his martyrdom, and that of his brother Hyrum. Whether one ascribes to the doctrine or organization of the church, the book offers valuable insight into a critical time in American history. It also may help the reader better understand the appeal of a church that has grown globally from very humble beginnings.
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