The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power

Interesting, detailed and fully-documented examination of the power structure of the early Mormon Church. Never academically challenged, the author's conclusions led him to be excommunicated by the LDS despite his own professed continued belief and wish to stay in communion with the church. There are few organisation which react so badly to the truth and the LDS persecution of historians is one of the darkest aspects of its leadership.

This intensely interested book is not to be considered doctrinally accurate or particulary friendly to the Church. The author, now an excommunicated apostate, is considered to be a real scholar, although many of his interpretations are incorrect.