Mormons in American

by Claudia Lauper Bushman and Richard L. Bushman

Book Overview

Mormonism is one of the world's fastest growing religions, doubling its membership every 15 years. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the formal denomination of the Mormon church) is now 10 million strong, with more than half of its membership coming from outside the United
States. More than 88 million copies of The Book of Mormon have been printed, and it has been translated into more than 50 languages. Mormons in America tells the tumultuous story of this religious group, from its humble origins in small-town New York State in 1830 to its present heyday. Claudia and
Richard Bushman introduce us to charismatic leaders like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, go deep behind Mormon rites and traditions, take us along the adventurous trail of the Mormon pioneers into the West, evoke the momentous erection of Salt Lake City in the desert, and draw us into the dozens of
skirmishes, verbal attacks, and court battles between Mormons and their neighbors, other religions, the media, and the American government.

Religion in American Life explores the evolution, character, and dynamic of organized religion in America from 1500 to the present day. Written by distinguished historians of religion, these books weave together the varying stories that compose the religious fabric of the United States, from
Puritanism to alternative religious practices. Primary source material coupled with handsome illustrations and lucid text make these books essential in any exploration of America's diverse nature. Each book includes a chronology, suggestions for further reading, and an index.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195106776
• ISBN13: 9780195106770
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.8" x 9.5"
• Age Range: 12 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

Nice History for Young Readers

It must be difficult to reduce such a complex subject as Mormonism into a good, short book for non-member young people, but that is what the Bushmans have done for this installment of the Oxford University Press series "Religion in American Life." I assume Richard, the well-known historian, wrote the chapters on basic LDS history. He doesn't sugarcoat or sensationalize. Claudia must have written the chapters on Mormons facing contemporary issues. They are refreshingly candid, and give the accurate impression that Mormons are human beings who struggle with personal problems along with everyone else. The two viewpoints nicely complement each other and give insight into a much-misunderstood movement. That they have been a successful couple in the New York academic world should make Mormons proud and should attract the attention of curious "gentiles":-)