Early Mormonism and the Magic World View
by D. Michael Quinn
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In this ground-breaking book, D. Michael Quinn masterfully reconstructs an earlier age, finding ample evidence for folk magic in nineteenth-century New England, as he does in Mormon founder Joseph Smith's upbringing. Quinn discovers that Smith's world was inhabited by supernatural creatures whose existence could be both symbolic and real. He explains that the Smith family's treasure digging was not unusual for the times and is vital to understanding how early Mormons interpreted developments show more in their history in ways that differ from modern perceptions. Quinn's impressive research provides a much-needed background for the environment that produced Mormonism. This thoroughly researched examination into occult traditions surrounding Smith, his family, and other founding Mormons cannot be understated. Among the practices no longer a part of Mormonism are the use of divining rods for revelation, astrology to determine the best times to conceive children and plant crops, the study of skull contours to understand personality traits, magic formula utilized to discover lost property, and the wearing of protective talismans. Ninety-four photographs and illustrations accompany the text. show lessTags
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An excellent study of the spread of occult beliefs in the early days of the USA, with a focus on the "Burned Over District" of Western New York State and the rich theological and magickal stew surrounding Joseph Smith as he invented his new religion and assembled his initial group of followers. The impact of Francis Barrett's seminal work, "The Magus" on Smith and his contemporaries will be especially interesting to students of the Western Occult Tradition. Highly recommended.
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44 works; 2 members
Author Information
11+ Works 546 Members
D. Michael Quinn is a writer and educator who graduated from Yale University. Quinn was a professor as well as the director of the graduate history program at Bringham Young University. Quinn's scholarly knowledge of Mormon and American histories led him to write The Mormon Hierarchy, and Same Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A show more Mormon Example. Quinn has been a grant recipient from such institutions as Yale University, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. He has also been awarded the George W. Egleston Prize, the Samuel F. Bemis Prize, and the Best Book and Best Article awards from the Mormon History Association. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Awards and Honors
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1987; 1998 (revised and enlarged) (revised and enlarged)
- Dedication
- In memory of my son Adam, who chose to explore other realms.
In admiration of my son Moshe, a humanist who studies religion.
In appreciation of my daughters Mary and Lisa—for their professional achievements, t... (show all)heir happy marriages, and their encouragement for me to follow my bliss.
With love always.
Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, History, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 289.3 — Religion Christian denominations Other denominations and sects Mormonism
- LCC
- BX8643 .O25 .Q55 — Philosophy, Psychology and Religion Christian Denominations Christian Denominations Protestantism Other Protestant denominations Mormons. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 201
- Popularity
- 160,556
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (4.04)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 3
- ASINs
- 1
