On the Trail of the Ultimate Mormon Artifact
599352
Investigative journalist Michael Chenault is presented with information about the murder of a retired professor of history in upstate New York that may tie into the murder of the wife of Utah Senator Brockston Ratchford, a front-runner in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Chenault heads out to Utah to track down how and why the two murders could possibly be related.

There's a nice mix of history, investigation, mystery, treasure hunt, and conspiracy in this book along with a very likable main character in Michael Chenault. The history and organization of the LDS church is mysterious in and of itself to most readers, and as such offers a wealth of possibilities for the story to evolve around it. The unlikable politician, Ratchford, and his minion Fiske show the shady side of politicians and their aides, so it's easy for the reader to root against them as they use their position to try to derail Chenault's investigation.

I found some elements of the ending somewhat predictable, but that says more about how many thrillers I've read over the years rather than anything negative about the build-up to the exciting ending of the book. I would welcome another book featuring Chenault on another investigative adventure.

Recommended.
3171719
This out-of-print book is a collection of the speeches of the Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, from the years 1839 to his assassination in 1844.  Smith  never used texts for his speeches so the best we have are reports from those who heard the speeches.  And this amazing work of scholarship gathers them all in one place.  And what amazing theological concepts are found- from how the world was created and why, and the origins of mankind and their future.

This book is expensive because it is so good and you can't get this information easily elsewhere.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) is gradually publishing everything they have that has anything to do with Joseph Smith.  But these volumes are dense and most of what is in this book is not available yet.

In the book are the several accounts of the famous "King Follett"  funeral speech.  King Follett was a friend of Joseph Smith.  At this funeral Joseph gave a theological oration that is so profound it is included in books such as the Library of America's American Sermons.  Teachings on the purpose of temples, the eternal family unit, the origins of God and fate of man are on every page.

Do whatever it takes, spend whatever it takes and get a copy of this fantastic book.  You may or may not accept Joseph Smith as a Prophet but you can't accuse him of superficial thought and theology after reading this amazing book.  5 stars.
4920270
This is a great book by Bradley J. Kramer.
It truly is a good book and my copy has highlights on pages throughout. This book is edifying, and invites you to challenge traditional, personal, and spiritual  limitations. Answers from the heavens are available to those who are willing, to be believing and willing to receive. I loved reading this book, and hope we see more works from this multidimensional author. His explanation of Nephi's vision is absolutely incredible. This book also brought me an increased appreciation for the Jew and a hope for their future contributions to the the study of the Book of Mormon. Thanks,

Aaron Hoffmann
3223287
David Persuitte provides an excellent introduction to the historical and literary issues raised by the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830. Using primary and secondary sources with skill he presents in detail the argument that the Book of Mormon is a work of creative literature that draws on and reflects in myriad details the cultural and literary milieu of its period. In doing so he reviews and confronts the claims of Joseph Smith and his defenders that the book was translated from buried plates containing the history of the descendants of a family of Jews who immigrated to America centuries before Christ. This is not, however, an anti-Mormon book, except insofar that any criticism of Mormon origins can be regarded as an attack. Persuitte has no interest in defaming Mormons or their founders, although he does not hesitate to point out the not infrequent troubles with the law they encountered (through shady financial dealings, not from "religious persecution" as Mormons usually claim). His point is to understand how the Book of Mormon came to be as a product of early nineteenth-century American creativity, and he marshals an overwhelming body of evidence showing how the book reflects early American culture, and notably fails to reflect anything which we have subsequently learned about pre-Columbian American history. While much of the book covers ground familiar from other critical works, Persuitte's traversal of the material can be recommended as lively, accessible, and very entertainingly written. He quotes frequently and at length from the primary sources which serve both to establish his argument and add a great deal of color to the narrative. His main "original" contribution to the topic is the most detailed discussion yet published of the similarities between Ethan Smith's View of the Hebrews (1823) and the Book of Mormon. But while the Smith book is given the most attention, Persuitte is also thorough in pointing out the many other literary and historical influences behind the Book of Mormon, including the King James Bible and numerous long-forgotten but once popular works of popular and speculative history. It's a fascinating detective story, well told, and with something both for the scholar and for the general reader curious about the origins of one of the world's fastest-growing religions. Highly recommended.
976141
Juanita Brooks said it first: "Nothing but the truth can be good enough for the Church to which I belong."  Will Bagley says it better: "Church leaders might wish until the end of time that the [Mountain Meadows Massacre] matter could be forgotten, but history bears witness that only the truth will lay to rest the ghosts of Mountain Meadows."  Bagley, following the tradition of Brooks, has done a yeoman's job in compiling the most complete story of the tragedy of September 11, 1857 to date.  And yet, without the Mormon Church accepting responsibility for the role of Brigham Young ... and George A. Smith, the doctrines of blood and vengence begun with Joseph Smith, Jr., and the obedience required under the threat of blood atonement by local church leaders, the story will continue to haunt the lives of Mormons living in southern Utah, and will continue to come up again and again in the work and thinking of thoughtful historians, both in and out of the Church.  The only way to give rest to the ghosts of Mountain Meadows is to face the truth.  And that the Church has not done.
Bagley is convinced that Brigham Young was more than an accessory after the fact (Brook's official, published opinion), and was in fact partly or wholly responsible for initiating the crime.  Unfortunately for Bagley and the rest of history, the so-called "smoking gun" has yet to turn up.  To date, no letter signed by Brigham ordering the destruction of the Fancher train has been discovered ... He draws this conclusion from a scanty array of circumstantial evidence, including a vague reference in Dimick Huntington's diary in which he alleges Brigham authorized the southern Paiutes to help themselves to the emigrant's livestock.  This "proves" nothing, but it adds to the perception that Young MAY have known, and MAY have ordered or approved of the attack on the train.
If you are looking for verification that the Church's highest leaders can be implicated in this tragic affair, it ain't here.  But SO MUCH else is here that the reader feels reasonably confident filling in the gaps on their own, or, in the words of John D. Lee, "putting the saddle on the right horse."
Bagley does a wonderful job in creating the context, both for the Fancher train and the Mormons at the time of the massacre.  The reader gains great insight into the power of the prophecy that the Lamanites (Native Americans) would cast off their "curse" and unite with the saints in ushering in the millenium.  Thus the Indians were seen as "the battle axe of the Lord," held firmly in the hand of...Brigham Young, Indian Agent for the Territory of Utah.  Bagley also paints the picture of the unquestioned obedience required of the saints to...Brigham Young, and his strict belief in the need for "blood atonement" for certain sins, including apostacy, adultery, and no doubt spilling the blood the prophets and apostles, such as Parley Pratt.  Pratt, beloved apsostle of the early church was killed by the jealous husband of one of Pratt's wives (yes, you read that right...she was married to two men at the same time, and not the only woman in the church to be polyandrous...) in Arkansas, the home state of the Fancher party.  And you are also treated to witness the manipulation of the legal system in Utah to impede, distort, and generally disrupt the prosecution of the men on the field at Mountain Meadows by none other than...Brigham Young. ...  But as Bagley points out, for the Church to concede that Brigham or George A. Smith, or other high-ranking "Prophets or Apostles" had any involvement what-so-ever, it must risk shaking the faith of many of it's members who believe these men walk and talk with God daily, and take their orders from him. ...history is seldom written so well!
2770173
This book is intriguing. It leaves emotional bias aside and provides the reader with many language-based evidences for consideration when discussing the veracity of The Book of Mormon. It introduces and explains the linguistic evidence found in the translation of a scripture which covered several cultures, centuries and even areas of land. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to know more regarding how many Native American languages of today are descended from the languages used by Nephi, a prophet originally raised in Jerusalem over 2,600 years ago. It's well written, with explanations aimed for all to understand!
4293543
This is a great read for all latter day saints that are intrigued on what the pre-millennium might be like.
3509914
Mansfield gives an excellent review of Mormon history from the beginning in the early 1800's in the "burnt-over district" near Palmyra, NY, the scene of repeated religious revivals, through the westward movement first to Jackson County, Missouri and finally to Salt Lake City Utah. He gives a detailed account of Joseph Smith's meeting with the Angel Maroni and later with John the Baptist, as well as Peter, James and John.

Although retelling the history is important to get an idea of who the Mormons were, the most important contribution Mansfield makes in this book is telling who the Mormons are today. Mansfield, according to the introduction, has taken time to meet the Mormons and learn first hand what they think about their religion and their beliefs. He starts each chapter with a vignette based, he says, on real life stories. These glimpses of Mormons defending their faith, telling what they believe, and struggling with life's problems are the best part of the book. We can see the real people behind the popular ideas of strange underwear, unusual beliefs, and prophetic visions.

What emerges from this book is a picture of the Latter-day Saints as:

People who strive for success, believing that life is a series of tests that must be passed. Their credo is progressing, achieving and moving forward.

People who believe that family is important above almost everything else. How many other religions require families to meet once a week to discuss problems and successes.

Education is extremely important to Mormons. It begins at an early age and most Latter-day Saints are very well educated, many doing graduate work.

Patriotism is inbred in the Mormons. They believe in the free-market system, and more important view, the Constitution as of Divine origin.

When I started this book, I knew a few Latter-day Saints and thought well of them, but I didn't understand their religion at all. I have to admit that I still find their beliefs a bit unusual, but everyone in our country is free to believe what they want from Pentecostals, to Catholics, to Mormons, Jews and all Protestant congregatons.

I highly recommend this book. It's very readable and will give you a much better idea of who these successful people are. At the end of the book Mansfield deals with several problems the Mormons face by becoming more prominent. One is the concern that Mormons are bound by the revelations of Saints in positions of power. I don't think this is a serious concern. I remember the Kennedy election. People painted horror stories of the country becoming subject to the Pope. That didn't happen. I very much doubt that Mormon revelations will guide anyone in charge of the country either in the military or the government to perform acts that are not in the best interests of the nation. Church and State are separate and should remain that way.

I reviewed this book for Worthy Publishing.
1812705
This is a very interesting presentation of archaeological findings in light of the Scriptures.  It will challenge you to re-think some things that are of incredible proportion in these last days!
3520988
I bought this book to learn more about the murders of a young mother and her infant daughter in 1984.  But I found myself learning much, much more about the background and history of the LDS church, of the local LDS splinter groups-- and of the modern-day "fundamentalist" LDS groups, especially the polygamists.
I have visited Colorado City & Pipe Springs, both of which are tucked away between the north rim of the Grand Canyon and Utah.  Pipe Springs is a 19th century polygamist stronghold (now run by the National Park Service), while Colorado City is a modern-day polygamist community.  For 150 years, the Mormons that have lived here have used the Grand Canyon as a buffer between itself and the remainder of Arizona, shielding itself from the prying eyes of we mere "gentiles."
But I've also been through the Grand Canyon on foot and on raft in 1993, when I visited both Separation Canyon & Separation Rapids within the Grand Canyon.  This is where 3 men from John Wesley Powell's expedition-- William Dunn and the Howland brothers-- left the expedition, headed north but were never seen again.  Most books would have you think this area was unsettled and only populated by native tribes, who murdered them.  As Krakauer reports, it ain't necessarily so.  These three men headed straight into an area controlled by the Mormons.  They did so willingly, knowing that just to their north lay "civilization."
Krakauer describes in this book that the area was already quite populated by Mormons--  Mormons who just a few years earlier had murdered an entire west-bound wagon train, including men, women and children, and had plundered them, leaving their bodies lying naked in the sun to be eaten by wild animals.  Mormons who were now on the lookout for representatives of the US Government, thanks to Brigham Young, who told them all to be watchful.  And then, along came William Dunn and the Howland Brothers with a rather far-fetched story of a trip through the Canyon on rafts.
Krakauer quotes from very credible sources that prove that these men were most likely summarily tried and executed.  Their bodies nor the scientific papers which they were carrying were never found.  But they were never particularly looked for, either.
When Powell, who by now had finished running the Canyon and inquired of the local Mormons what happened to his men, these same Mormons reported to Powell that his men were murdered by the Shivwits indians-- a small, docile tribe that occupied the strip in the North Rim area.  But this area was already heavily settled by the Mormon church-- it wasn't wild at all.  Shortly after this, the Mormons forced the Shivwit tribe off their tribal lands.
Of course, these events as I've relayed in this review make up a small portion of the book-- but I thought it to be one of the more telling portions of a book that is well researched, well documented, well footnoted and that pulls not punches.  As in his other books, Jon Krakauer is not afraid to draw conclusions-- no matter how much it may hurt some people's view of themselves.
I knew about much of the basic doctrine of the LDS church, but had no idea about the past history of Smith, Brigham Young and the church itself.  Nor had I any idea as to the militancy of the LDS church-- I had read at length about the so- called "Mormon Wars" but had not understood what had led up to this.
A most eye-opening book.  I recommend it highly.
2071328
I was fortunate enought to have received this book when it was in print.  I certainly hope that it gets re-printed soon.  Can't imagine why it's not in print, unless....  Anyway, the authors have documented a very detailed  investigation of a sordid piece of the Mormon church history.  Bravo.  The  crime was bad enough, but the subsequent cover-up by the "high holy  ones" at the Church was worse.
4317247
This is an excellent resource for people who want to understand the way The Book of Mormon came into being and who the witnesses were, what they said, and the lives they led.  This is far more important as evidence to the reality of The Book of Mormon than most members or non-members usually take time to understand.  I cannot stress strongly enough how valuable this book is.  I urge you to get a copy, read it, share it, and keep it.

The author spends time with the lives of the Three Witnesses and then their Witness and how they reaffirmed their testimonies throughout their lives.

Then he takes the eight witnesses through the same process, why these were a good choice for witnesses, and how they stayed true to their testimonies even though they broke with Joseph Smith.

It is also important that there were both Divine Witnesses - the Three, and ordinary life witnesses, The Eight.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Saline, MI
4109457
the amount of detail and the vocabulary of Talmage will make the average reader do a double take, but it's nonetheless a fabulous read for those seeking a better understanding of the beliefs of those of the Mormon Faith
2849284
The author wrote in the Preface to this 1975 book, "Eight years of teaching seminary gave me an overwhelming desire to discover the lands and cities of the Book of Mormon... After much prayer and study I stumbled onto the very clue that led to the discovery of those lands... Having made my geographical discoveries, I wanted others to share the thrill. This book is the outcome of that desire. It is my hope that it will induce in its readers the same excitement, the same insights into the Book of Mormon, that my quest has brought me."

Here are some additional quotations from the book:

"It is clearly stated in the Book of Mormon that there was a land northward and a land southward with a connecting link between called a narrow neck or small neck of land. (Alma 22:32; 63:5; Ether 10:20) This land-bridge is a major key to Book of Mormon geography." (Pg. 1)
"Let us suppose that the Amazon basin was then a fresh-water sea and that what is now Argentina was completely inundated... It is my conviction that this represents the great breakthrough in Book of Mormon geography, the hitherto unrecognized factor which defines not only the Nephite 'isle of the sea' but also ... that other vital point of reference 'the narrow neck of land.' For as this chapter will show, the Amazon 'sea' is not a supposition. There is ample evidence that it existed." (Pg. 10)
"Thus evidence indicates that the narrow neck was that land which lies between the Gulf of Guayaquil and the upper Amazon basin." (Pg. 29)
"As we have seen, 'the land southward' was all the land occupied by the Nephites and Lamanites south of the narrow neck of land." (Pg. 63)
"We cannot know how a lone man, of himself, could have made the long trek from South America to North America to bury the plates in a hill in New York State. We can readily believe that the all-powerful God could have give him the wisdom, strength and food to survive, thereby making such a long journey both possible and bearable... and the way was opened for Moroni to place the Book of Mormon record in the North American hill where many centuries later it would be brought forth to the world by the great prophet and seer of the last dispensation, Joseph Smith." (Pg. 157)
2972182
Award winning author LaTayne C. Scott has another hit with the suspense thriller Latter-Day Cipher. Scott takes the reader through an incredible journey of Mormon history. For this reviewer, it was a bit of deja vu having lived in Utah and being part of the Mormon church and culture for many years.

Scott brings to the Latter-Day Cipher many historically documented facts such as the Masonic links, Blood Atonement, and a gentle inside look at the hot topic in the news of polygamy. Has the media played a role in how the public perceives church tradition? As a reader you have the opportunity to take a look inside to how it began, developed, and why some will not give it up--and not for the reasons most people think.

Kirsten Young, a well-known and rebellious Utah heiress is found murdered in Provo Canyon. The strange markings carved into her flesh and the note written in 19th century code seems to cast a shadow on ancient Mormon laws. Already wary of outsiders, the last thing the Latter-Day Saints church needs is bad publicity.

Journalist Selonnah Zee is assigned to cover the story--and it quickly grows out of control. Within days, more victims appear in disturbing succession surrounded by symbols and clues.

Selonnah's cousin Roger has recently converted to Mormonism but his wife, Eliza is beginning to doubt the faith of her childhood. If something is really from God, she wonders, why does it need to be constantly revised? Might the murderer be asking the same question? And who might be the next victim?

Why did the murderer use the old Mormon Code based on Brigham Young's Deseret Alphabet? And what is the meaning of all the dead bodies carefully displayed and the strange markings? If you were an insider you knew it had to be covered up, but for Selonnah, a criminal justice graduate turned journalist, it became a puzzle to be mastered. Perhaps an answer is finally reached why the murderer and others like the old ways, but the church chose to be modernized.

This is definitely a page turner all the way to the surprising end.

At the back of the book are questions for study and insights brought out in this well written and fascinating book.

You can view a trailer of the book at [...]
896055
Here is just one example of what i found interesitng. "When 15 year old Joseph visited his 20 year old neighbor Sally Chase they spent time looking at her green seerstone. He saw very distinctly a stone under a tree root on a creek bed 150 miles west of his home. Two years later he went to the spot and extracted the stone lying where he had seen it. Later he was digging a well on the Chase farm and down 25 feet he found another seer stone. Mr Chase said it was his but that Joseph could borrow it which he did for several years. Eventually Hyrum obtained it and it came west with Brigham Young and photos of it were recently posted in the Ensign. When Joseph got the plates, he had many investors who had paid him to find treasure. They convinced Sally Chase to use her seer stone to find the treasure Joseph's investors felt they had some rights to. She saw where the plates were hid but when the investors tore up the floor boards to find the plates, they were gone.

The references go from page 501 to page 556, with over 20 references per page. I thought i was somewhat aware of Joseph's life but it was mostly at the pre-school level, maybe kindergarten.. This is more like college level and better.  Just absolutely fascinating and illuminating.
1651870
This is a great text to read if you are interested in where Book of Mormon scholarship stands in our time, at present. Most, if not all, the contributing authors are from FARMS, a foundation devoted to Book of Mormon scholarship. Reading this book is like reading a journal of science, published today, from the leading scientists from NASA. It is, as they say, the horses mouth when it comes to Mromon scholarship.

Each essay is obviously scholarly and well written. You will find that they are more inviting than the ending of the whole matter. Topics differ in topic and research, but each rely upon demonstrating the ancient origin of the book. Skousen is the LDS faiths leading "original manuscrpit" scholar; Welch is the Mormons cutting-edge and new "brilliant" scholar; and Peterson is the faiths keynote defender. When desiring to know what the best of the flock are saying, in regards to the defense and research of the Book of Mormon, this is the book to read. Though out-dated now, it is still worthy of reading. Topics from chiasmus, the translation, and the position of "anti-" mormons, are considered and evaluated. So, it is general in presentation but potent in content.

One reviewer asked, "where is Christ?" or "God" after reading this book. I ask, why did you come to this book for your inquiry? Detractors will scoff at this text while never being able to refute its finer points. If you want to read a book about God, read the Book of Mormon or Bible... if you are looking into LDS research on the book, read this text.

This book is the Mormon's most significant stand on scholarship and defense. IT is a froce to be reckoned with!