The most detailed study yet of early Mormon thought about the ''end times,'' The Millenarian World of Early Mormonism shows how early LDS interpretation of the Bible and the Book of Mormon affected, and was affected by, Mormon millennial doctrines. Grant Underwood provides the first comprehensive linkage of the history of early Mormonism and millennial thought, reassessing Mormonism's relationship to the dominant culture and placing Mormon millennial thought in the broader context of Judeo-Christian ideas about the end of the world.''A model of first-rate scholarship and balanced interpretation; it has much to say not only to those interested in Mormon history but also to anyone seeking to understand the role of millenarian ideas in the American experience.'' -- Michael Barkun, Journal of American History''No serious student of early Mormon history should fail to read this book.'' -- L. B. Tipson, Choice''A signal contribution to Mormon studies. Anyone who wishes to explore the core of the Mormon identity in the nineteenth century will have to come to terms with this book.'' -- Richard T. Hughes, author of Reviving the Ancient Faith: The Story of Churches of Christ in America
''No serious student of early Mormon history should fail to read this book.'' - Choice ''Contributes greatly to the understanding of religious growth and thought in the trans-Appalachian west. Students of early 19th century church history will find this to be 'must' reading.'' - Journal of the West ''Although Underwood emphasizes the moderate character of Mormonism in this volume, it would be a mistake to discount the movement's radical elements. This well-written work demonstrates that continuity existed between the premillennialism and primitivism that Mormonism shared with many other Americans of the period and the concept of continuing revelation that was to increasingly separate the Mormons from their surrounding society.'' - Gary Land, American Historical Review ''A model of first-rate scholarship and balanced interpretation; it has much to say not only to those interested in Mormon history but also to anyone seeking to understand the role of millenarian ideas in the American experience.'' - Michael Barkun, The Journal of American History ''By breaking with outmoded stereotypes of millenarian movements as anti- modern or reactionary campaigns of the marginalized and deprived, his approach is in tune with contemporary work on millenarianism across disciplines. Underwood's command of the methodological literature related to his topic is exemplary. The book is thus highly recommended, both as a study of early Mormon self-understanding and as a guide, by way of its copious notes, to the social science research that can help us to make sense of the resurgence of millenarian thought today.'' - David L. Smith, Michigan Historical Review ADVANCE PRAISE ''A signal contribution to Mormon studies. Anyone who wishes to explore the core of the Mormon identity in the nineteenth century will have to come to terms with this book.'' - Richard T. Hughes, Pepperdine University ''A major monograph on a central theme in early Mormon history-the Second Coming of Christ. It not only locates Mormon views of the millennium in the broad context of Christian history, but presents evidence from early Mormon history that will surprise many readers.'' - Richard L. Bushman, author of Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism
