Richard S. Van Wagoner (1946–2010)

Van Wagoner writes a compelling account of early Mormon polygamy. A fascinating look at how one modern American religion's culture evolved from it's beginnings with in the mid-1800's until it's eventual abolishment from the late 1800's until the early 20th century. The about face that the LDS church achieved left many families stranded and excommunicated in the practice, and has led to the splintering of Mormon "fundamentalist" groups that still continue the practice today.

In a time when U.S presidential candidate and current Massachusetts Governor (descended from polygamous Mormon relatives) says of polygamy, "I can't imagine anything worse..." in attempting to divorce himself from its stigma, it's useful to remember the roots of this practice, its abandonment, and the way it perseveres to this day in LDS doctrines, if not in practice.… (more)

A truly fascinating work. I bought this book in a mainline LDS-run bookstore, so I can only imagine that it must have been approved by the church hierarchy. That said, it appears to be irreproachably even-handed and well-researched.

The history it recounts can be loosely organized into three sections: the origins and early conflicts of lds polygamy, the trials of a young religion under pressure from the federal government, and an examination of the remnants of polygamy among so-called fundamentalist groups today.

From the accounts of this book, it seems clear that the early practice of polygamy within the lds church was pretty disgusting. Nothing about the practice appears like sincere revelation -- rather, it all has the feel of a weak and lustful man's attempts to justify his self-serving and hurtful behavior.

The following generation, however, is a completely different story. People who grew up with polygamy had no reason to doubt its status as "God's law", and seem for the most part sincere in their efforts to lead responsible, moral lives built around large families. At this point, the disgusting behavior is perpetrated by the US government, which goes far beyond the call of duty in singling out and harrassing (by way of massive civil rights violations) harmless and otherwise law-abiding families.

The last section is mostly a confusing attempt to outline all the different directions underground polygamy has headed since the practice was banned by the church. At times, it can seem like all the modern polygamists are violent and crazy, but it's worth remembering that the ones who behave themselves are most likely living in secret, and therefore hard to examine.… (more)