Comments about ‘Fascinating look at LDS history’

"LDS historian" Quinn or "Former LDS historian" Quinn?

While Mr. Quinn is no longer a member of the Church, he is an historian specializing in the LDS movement. Of all of the histories written, his series of books are probably the most unbiased and evenhanded of the lot.

"...Joseph Smith cautioned McLellin in a revelation contained in the LDS Doctrine and Covenants..."

I thought Mormons believed that what was in Doctrine and Covenants came from God, not Joseph Smith? Nobody would write "In the Ten Commandments Moses condemns those who lie." Such a statement would be offensive to anyone who believes Moses was a prophet and received the Ten Commandments from God.

Joshua Steimle, Every thing in the D & C Did come from God, the wrighter just worded it wrong or he felt that everyone would take it for granted that what J.S. said came from God.

Will this be available at Deseret Book?

A few things.

Quinns essay in the book is mixed. I seems clear that Quinn is from the old school of opinions about McLellin. William Russell and John Charles Duffys essays are probably a more informed and take into account new evidences that Quinn and Richard Howard may not have considered.

It is true that Quinn is a fine historian. Poor form for the apologists play-on-words earlier in this thread. Unarguably, Quinns books have had a deep and lasting impact on Mormon studies. I feel bad for those who haven't read much of his works. But im my experience, the best way to hide things from Mormons is to publish it.

In the end, the church of McLellins day was far different than even ten years later. This book appears to help us get a snapshot of Kirtland, Ohio Mormonism. Good and bad. Good luck finding a copy.

I wonder if this book would be a great gift idea for my plural wives?