Mormon Polygamy: A History

by Richard S. Van Wagoner

 In this comprehensive survey of Mormon Polygamy, Richard Van Wagoner details, with precision and detachment, the tumultuous reaction among insiders and outsiders to plural marriage. In an honest, methodical way, he traces the origins, the peculiarities common to the midwestern and later Utah periods, and post-1890 new marriages. Drawing heavily on first-hand accounts, he outlines the theological underpinnings and the personal trauma associated with this lifestyle. What emerges is a portrait that neither discounts nor exaggerates the historical evidence. He presents polygamy in context, neither condemning nor defending, while relevant contemporary accounts are treated sympathetically but interpreted critically. No period of Mormon history is emphasized over another. The result is a systematic view that is unavailable in studies of isolated periods or in the repetitions of folklore that only disguise the reality of what polygamy was. Scattered throughout the western United States today are an estimated 30,000 fundamentalist Mormons who still live “the principle.” They, too, are a part of Joseph Smith’s legacy and are included in this study.

Genres: History, Religion, Mormonism, Nonfiction, Polygamy, Lds, Church

268 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1986

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for learning about LDS polygamy history from the 19th & 20th century.
My LDS friend bought her copy at BYU and recommended it to me. It's a book filled with teachings and sermons of LDS Prophets, statistical information of that time period, and gives important historical information that corrects common myths in the church. If you like politics, there is a great section on what led to the 1890 manifesto and 1904 second manifesto ending the mortal practice of polygamy in the mainstream church.


"Richard S. Van Wagoner is a clinical audiologist and Lehi City Historian, author of Lehi: Portraits of a Utah Town and other acclaimed works, including Mormon Polygamy: A History and Sidney Rigdon: A Portrait of Religious Excess (winner of Best Book Awards from the Mormon History Association and John Whitmer Historical Association). He is co-author of the biographical resource, A Book of Mormons, and has published in Brigham Young University Studies, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Sunstone, the Utah Historical Quarterly, and elsewhere. He is currently writing a biography of Joseph Smith."

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent history of polygamy within Mormonism including the early years with Joseph revealing the principle and Brigham's pioneers living it, the controversial years up until the Manifesto, and the continued living of the principle by Fundamentalist groups. I especially benefited from the later chapters about the Fundamentalist groups as I didn't know much about their teachings and how they relate to the current Mormon church. This book is not entirely favorable to the leaders of the Church, but I believe the history is accurate and I recommend it.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you ever just want the facts on the history of Mormon polygamy with no positive or negative spin/interpretation? If so, I highly recommend Van Wagoner's book. Richard S. Van Wagoner, a BYU graduate, writes about the complex history of Mormon polygamy with lots of footnotes, first-person accounts, and clear prose. I found the book extremely interesting and easy to read, despite its very objective tone. Complete with a strong bibliography and index, the book is a valuable reference in my library.

[Cadence Woodland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boy, my cultural inheritance is complicated....

[Wade Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely might be a hard read for some active Latter-day Saints who don't know much about the subject. Van Wagoner tells the history of Mormon polygamy just as it is, without apology and with copious sources. I learned a lot of new things about the subject that I had not known, and some of those things are hard to swallow when LDS Church curriculum tends to leave out many of the incriminating points of its history. Very informative, worth the read.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Van Wagoner (who was an active member of the church (until his death) and also from Lehi, Utah) wrote this book in a straight forward, yet neutral fashion. This isn't an easy read (especially if you are an active member of the LDS church) yet for me, it is important to understand my religion's beginnings (especially when I am questioned about it) and better understand how the fundamentalists and other splinter groups came about such as Community of Christ.

My interest is especially in Emma Smith, who suffered many trials and afflictions especially in relation to polygamy. Some people have viewed her as unfaithful, but after reading about the many things she had to go through I scarcely believe anyone I know would have survived it as well as she did. There are no easy explanations for the many things that took place back then, but I think Emma did better than any woman would have considering the hand she was dealt.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lacks the commentary Brian C Hale’s “Joseph Smith’s Polygamy” shoves down ur throat, which I much appreciate, while also covering post Nauvoo polygamy which was a topic I didn’t know much about before picking up the book. However, it feels like it’s missing a lot of details. I appreciate the footnotes and sources listed, but I feel like there could’ve been more. Regardless, I’d say this is a worthy read for anyone interested in learning more about Mormon polygamy and diving a little deeper than just the surface level history, but it doesn’t cover everything. as much as it pains me to say this, I’d recommend reading Hale’s book for a more in-depth explanation and exploration of everything related to Joseph Smith’s.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshingly neutral book documenting the history of polygamy as it relates to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This is a true historical work, using many primary references of people who lived through this non-western tradition of family.

As an active member of the Church, I learned that I don't know why everything happens. That good, well-meaning people make errors. I'm sure that these errors never lead to a dissolution of authority. And I'm sure that I've made promise I can't break, regardless of external events.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an eye opener. I knew the early beginnings of polygamy from reading the biography of Emma Smith. I had already mulled over her opposition and Joseph's moving ahead were without her approval. I was surprised at the contradictions surrounding the manifesto.

Van Wagoner's research is extensive and his presentation of documents and publications fair. Each chapter is followed by further quotes that explain possible contradictions.

[Lowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read, intense at times. I've read some amazing, detailed LDS history over the past decade, and even then, this was a lot. That's not a negative statement. I can only think of a handful of people to whom I would recommend this.

Would more immediately direct people to read Ulrich's "House Full of Females," which covers much of the same content as 70% of this book, is just as thoroughly researched and accurate, yet is written for more general consumption.

[Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

Published in 1986, Mormon Polygamy: A History by Richard S. Van Wagoner is supposed to be a comprehensive study of Mormon polygamy but it is not. Van Wagoner took great liberties in writing the book including cherry-picking references. His sources are often suspect including Fawn Brodie, Jerald and Sandra Tanner and Michael D. Quinn. This was an interesting period of time, but this book clearly missed the mark.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting read! So much better than reading church-employed historians. Learned a lot of things of which I was never made aware (no big surprise). While far from being an expert on the subject, based on the author's research and bibliography, it presents as well researched, but I would have to read more--and will--to gain a more well rounded understanding. I thought the author did a great job.

[Shawn Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-researched look at the complicated and messy history of Mormon polygamy. Van Wagoner is able to present facts and quotes from important figures without trying to spin anyone's actions in a positive light. I found the history of Post-Manifesto polygamy to be utterly fascinating and frequently used the endnotes to find more articles on this topic.

[Ryan Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book is dated, it still serves as a useful overview of Mormon polygamy. My interests were in learning more about polygamy as it was practiced between 1846 and 1890. It explains well the development of the Morrill Act and the Edmunds Tucker Act.

[Andrew Knighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good single volume overview of the historical questions surrounding early mormon polygamy.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very thorough overview of the history.

[Don LaVange · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Cameron Nielsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to rate this book higher, since it's so readable, comprehensive, and open . . . but sadly, as a historian I have to note that Van Wagoner sometimes plays fast-and-loose with his sources. On a controversial subject like this, his lack of historical rigor (mostly cherry-picking or failing to adequately interrogate evidence, sometimes using weasel words or poetic license for the sake of the narrative) makes his work recommendable only with a heaping spoonful of salt. His footnotes/references don't always cover the points that one most wants to double-check, so the serious reader (and one rarely reads a book like this without being "serious") should expect to have to do further research independently to satisfy her/his mind.

[Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really interesting read if you're intrigued by the history of Mormon Polygamy. I enjoyed the early history more than the later, more recent history. It was fascinating to learn about Emma Smith and her point-of-view on her husband's relationships with other women and his reasoning for polygamy. She certainly wasn't quiet about her feelings and distaste for it, but she still stuck by her husband. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good history.

[Lon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fair and informative treatment. Somewhat dry, academic style. Better that, I suppose, than sensationalism, but sometimes the story-telling suffered, as it often does in heavily footnoted, heavily documented informational texts. Lots I didn't know; plenty I wish I didn't have to know. But a comprehensive treatment left me with a better sense for the complicated dynamics behind this unconventional and troubling practice.

[Shirley Brown]

I found this very interesting reading and a little disturbing at the same time. I think I didn't have too great an understanding of the Mormon polygamy history as it relates to our time. I was disturbed by the seemingly half-truths put out by the Church hierarchy relating to President Woodruff's Manifesto and the timing of it's implementation. It was definitely a hard law to live at the time.

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much detail ( quotes from diaries, journals, newspaper articles, Congressional testimony etc.) in this book that it is burdensome to read. I did finish it though and having been born and raised in Utah, but not a Mormon, it left me with a worse opinion of the LDS church than I had before. The law breaking, the deceit and outright lying by the church leaders was trully appalling. Fair warning for church members that you may be just as disturbed by the contents as I was.

[Giddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, especially if you haven't read much about it before. This was the first in depth recording of the Sarah Pratt case. At times it is a bit odd because Van Wagoner seems to be an LDS believer but not in polygamy or even particularly of Jos. Smith. I find it hard to believe that he wasn't excommunicated because this is as critical as Faith Brodie's biography of Jos. Smith.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can sometimes be hard to find unbiased books on Mormonism, but this is a well researched and unbiased look at the history of polygamy. If you have any interests in the topic I found this book to be top notch. I really appreciated the look at post manifesto marriages and the short but informative part on the history of Mormon fundamentalism

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on Mormon polygamy I've ever seen. Very readable, and quite shocking (for example, it detailed cases of polyandry and also walked through the history of denial while the practice was going on).

[Rolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, but tough book to read--lots of "man, they don't teach that in Sunday School" kind of moments. Definitely interesting and informative, though also a niche book for the topic, hardly an introduction to LDS doctrine/culture in general.

[Austin Archibald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best book at the time on Mormon Polygamy has still stood the test of time as an indispensable resource decades later. Well-written and concisely summarized, it is one of the first books you should read if you want to track the principle's history throughout Mormonism.

[Chrisan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a study of the difficult practice of polygamy in the early years of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It tells it like it was and allows you to see more clearly what happened.

[Franziska · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting...but hard to read. It definitely leaves some questions open like "why", "why" and "why".

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are going to read just one book on Mormon polygamy, get Compton's 'In Sacred Loneliness' book. If you are going to read two, get this book as well.