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“I have ever gained the most profit, and the most pleasure also, from the books which have made me think the most.”
J. C. & A. W. Hare, Guesses at Truth 

Without hooks God is silent, justice dormant, natural science at a stand, philosophy lame, letters dumb, and all things involved in Cimmerian darkness. 
Thomas Bartholin, De Libris Legendis 

“Among the Mormons” is Dialogue’s ongoing effort to keep its readers abreast of Mormon bibliography. Three times a year we present bibliographical listings containing, in separate columns, theses and dissertations, books and related publications, and periodical articles. This issue’s listing contains books, pamphlets and records that have come to our attention during 1971 and 1972. 

In the last issue of Dialogue this column dealt with periodicals and periodical literature. Since then several new periodical items have come to our attention and rather than hold them for a year, brief notes are herewith presented. The Utah State Historical Society has released the first issue of its proposed semi annual Utah History Research Bulletin. The object of the Research Bulletin is to help state and local historians keep abreast of what’s going on in Utah (and therefore often Mormon) history. The Bulletin lists research projects now in progress or recently completed and makes suggestions for research in areas relatively untouched by scholars. Also in the first issue is information on sources of research, announcements of awards, and a calendar of upcoming meetings of interest to Utah historians, genealogists, folklorist-and so forth. If you have a contribution or wish to receive this publication (free), write Glen M. Leonard, Utah State Historical Society, 603 East South Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102. 

Another new periodical recently received is The Family Group Sheet (24847 Jim Bridge Road, Calabasas, California). Similar in style to The Olive Leaf (Dialogue, Winter 1970, p. 115), The Family Group Sheet is not a dry genealogist organ but rather a sort of underground L.D.S. newspaper. Dittographed in Southern California, The Family Group Sheet speaks to the younger generation. I hope somebody in Salt Lake City is reading it. 

The following listing of books of L.D.S. interest is selective. The editor assumes full responsibility for the selections which are arbitrarily made on the basis of supposed reader interest. Fuller bibliographical listings of books and periodicals may be found in Mormon Americana (limited distribution) and the new Mormonia, A Quarterly Bibliography of Works on Mormonism ($5 a year, Box 54, Williamsville, New York 14221). Following the bibliographical listing are two reports of two new acquisitions of the University of Utah Library. 

Selected Works of Mormon Interest

A Gift to Share. Arizona: 1972. Poems written by L.D.S. women in the Eager and Springerville Wards, St. Johns Stake, Arizona. For more information contact: Aldrice E. Burk, P.O. Box 8, Springerville, Arizona 85938. 

Anderson, Richard Lloyd. Joseph Smith’s New England Heritage. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1971. $4.95. 

Arrington, Leonard J. Kate Field and J. H. Beadle: Manipulators of the Mormon Past. Salt Lake City: Center for Studies of the American West, University of Utah, 1971. $1.00. American West Lecture. Copies available from publisher: University of Utah, Annex 2167, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112. 

Bailey, Paul. Polygamy Was Better Than Monotony. Los Angeles: Westernlore Press, 1972. $7.95 Story of author’s two grandfathers and their five wives. 

Bell, Archie F. Holy People. N.p., 1971. 16 unnumbered pp. about the Church of Christ (Temple Lot). 

Bishop, Lynn L. and Bishop, Steven L. The Keys of the Priesthood Illustrated. Draper, Utah: Review and Preview Publishers, P.O. Box 368, Draper, Utah 84020, 1971. $9.95. Examines Fundamentalist claim to priesthood keys via the Council of Friends. 

The Truth About John W. and Lorin C. Wolley and the Council of Friends. Draper, Utah: Review and Preview Publishers, P.O. Box 368, Draper, Utah 84020, 1972. 

Bradford, Reed H. A Teacher’s Quest. Provo, Utah: 1971. $1.95. 

Brunvand, Jan Harold. A Guide for Collectors of Folklore in Utah. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1971. $6.50. 

Carter, Kate B. Our Pioneer Heritage, Vol. 14. Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1971. $10.00. 

Casper, Billy. My Million-Dollar Shots. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1970. Casper is a convert to the L.D.S. Church. 

Cheney, Thomas E., ed. Lore of Faith and Folly. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1971. $15.00. History of Utah folklore. 

The Coming of the Mormons. New York: Enrichment Materials, Inc., 1972. $5.95. Long- playing recording. Order from Enrichment Materials, Inc., 50 W. 44th Street, New York, New York 10036.

Crowther, Duane S. God and His Church. Bountiful, Utah: Horizon Publishers, 1971.

Crowther, Duane S. The Plan of Salvation and the Future in Prophecy. Bountiful, Utah: Horizon Publishers, 1971.

De Hoyos, Arturo. The Old and the Modern Lamanite. Provo: Brigham Young University Press, 1970.

Dusenberry, Robert K. Warren Newton Dusenberry. Prominent Utah Pioneer, Educator, Judge, and Public Servant, 1836-1915. Provo, Utah: 1971. Available from author: Route 2, Box 513-A, Provo, Utah 84601. 

Ellsworth, S. George. Utah’s Heritage. Salt Lake City: Peregrine Press, July, 1972. Available from Peregrine Press, P.O. Box 8084, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. 

Fitzgerald, John D. Me and My Little Brain. New York: Dial Press, 1972. $4.95. Children’s novel with 1890 Utah as its background.

Fletcher, Daisy Whiting. Alpheus Cutler and the Church of Jesus Christ. N.p.: by the author (819 South Cottage Street, Independence, Mo. 64050, $1.25), 1970. 56 pp. Traces development of Cutler’s church (an L.D.S. sect) to 1970. The author is the wife of present leader.

Gay, John D. The Geography of Religion in England. London: Duckworth and Company, Ltd., 1971. $10.95. Mormons included.

Hall, Douglas Kent. On the Way to the Sky. New York: McCall Books, 1972. $5.95. Mormon novel. 

Harrington, Virginia S. and Harrington, J. C. Rediscovery of the Nauvoo Temple. Salt Lake City: Nauvoo Restoration, Inc., 1971. Paperback, $1.75, hardback, $3.50. Nauvoo Restoration, Inc., 10 South Main, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101. 

Heslop, J. M. and Van Orden, Dell R. Joseph Fielding Smith: A Prophet Among the People. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1971. $3.95. 

Home, J. Arthur. Latter-day Saints in the Great Northwest. Seattle, Washington; Graphic Art Press, cl968. $2.95. Available from John Biehl, 11338 23rd Avenue, N.E., Seattle, Washington 98125.

Hunter, Rodello. A Daughter of Zion. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1972. $6.95. 

Jones, Garth N. Monastery Model of Development: Towards a Strategy of Large Scale Planned Change. Water Management Technical Report, No. 14. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 1971. Dr. Jones uses Mormons as one of his historical examples. 

Kelley, Dean M. Why Conservative Churches Are Crowing. New York: Harper & Row, 1972. Includes L.D.S. Church. 

Kelley, William. Presidency and Priesthood. Independence, Mo.: Herald House, 1972. $5.50. 

Larson, Andrew Karl. Erastus Snow: The Life of a Missionary and Pioneer for the Early Mormon Church. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1971. $14.95. 

Larson, Gustive O. The Americanization of Utah for Statehood. San Marino, California: Huntington Library, 1971. $7.50. 

Law, Reuben D. The Founding and Early Development of the Church College of Hawaii. St. George, Utah: Dixie College Press, 1972. Author’s address: 456 South 400 East, St. George, Utah. 

McKiernan, F. Mark. The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: Sidney Rigdon, Religious Reformer, 1793-1876. Lawrence, Kansas: Coronado Press, 1972. $7.50. Order from Coronado Press, Box 3232, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Madsen, Truman. Four Essays on Love. Provo, Utah: Communications Workshop, 1971. $2.95. 

Malmquist, O. N. The First 100 Years: A History of the Salt Lake Tribune 1871-1971. Salt Lake City, Utah: Utah State Historical Society, 1971. $24.00. 

Martin, Wynetta Willis. A Black Mormon Tells Her Story. Salt Lake City, Utah: Hawkes Publications, 1972. $2.00. 

Merrill, W. Earl. One Hundred Steps Down Mesa’s Past. Mesa, Arizona. [Printed by Lofgreen Print Co.] 1970. 

The Most Holy Principle, Vol. 1-3. Murray, Utah: Gems Publishing Co., 1970. $10.00 per volume. Three volume documentary history of the establishment of the Mormon plural marriage system. Publisher’s address: P.O. Box 7434, Murray, Utah 84107. Available at Zion’s Bookstore. 

Pearson, Carol Lynn. The Order is Love. Provo, Utah: Trilogy Arts, 1971. $1.95. 

Peterson, Charles S., et ah Mormon Battalion Trail Guide. Salt Lake City, Utah: Utah State Historical Society, 1972. $3.00 for members of USHS, $3.50 for non-members. 

Riedel, Albert. Geschichte der deutschsprachigen Missionen der Kirche Jesu Christi der Heiligen der Letzten Tage. Salt Lake City, Utah: 1971. $5.95. History of the German Mission. Five more volumes will be added. Available at Deseret Book Company. 

Rugoff, Milton. Prudery and Passion: Sexuality in Victorian America. New York: Putnam’s Sons, cl971. $8.95. Mormons included. 

Skinner, Charles M. Myths and Legends of our Own Land. Detroit: Singing Tree Press, 1969. $20.00 a set. Includes ‘The Prophet of Palmyra.”

Skousen, Max B. The Temple Endowment. Montrose, California: 1971. $10.00. Available from author: Box 115, Montrose, California 91020.

Stout, Wayne. History of Utah, 1930-1970, Vol. 3. Salt Lake City, Utah: 1971. $17.85. Avail- able from author: 228 South 3rd East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111.

Strang, James J. The Prophetic Controversy. Mount Pleasant, Michigan: John Cumming, 1969. 

Taggart, Stephen G. Mormonism s Negro Policy: Social and Historical Origins. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1972. $2.50.

Tanner, Jerald and Sandra. Falsification of Joseph Smith’s History. Salt Lake City, Utah: Modern Microfilms Co. $1.50. 

———. Joseph Smith’s 1826 Trial. Salt Lake City, Utah: Modern Microfilm Co., 1971. $.50.

———. The Mormon Kingdom, Vol. 2. Salt Lake City, Utah: Modern Microfilms, 1971. $2.95. 

Tanner, Sandra. The Bible and Mormon Doctrine. Salt Lake City, Utah: Modern Microfilm Company, 1971. $.75. 

Taylor, Samuel W. Nightfall at Nauvoo. New York: Macmillan Company, cl971. $8.95. Novel.

Thomsen, Russel J. Latter-day Saints and the Sabbath. Mountain View, California: Pacific Press Publishing Association, cl971. Pacific Press is a Seventh Day Adventist organization. 

Toponce, Alexander. Reminiscences of Alexander Toponce. Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press, 1971. $4.95. 

War, Conscription, Conscience, and Mormonism. Edited by Gordon C. Thomasson. Santa Barbara, California: Mormon Heritage, 1971; second printing, 1972. Available from Mormon Heritage, P.O. Box 15230, Santa Barbara, California 93107. 

Weeks, Robert Percy. King Strang. Ann Arbor, Michigan: Five Wives Press, 1971. 

Witt, Hugo W. The Word of Wisdom: Is it a Commandment or Isn’t it? Midvale, Utah: Kogon Publishers, 1971. $1.00. 

Reprints

The Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. New York: Greenwood Press, 1971 [1880]. $15.50. Reprint of 1880 (1879?) edition originally edited by O. Pratt. 

Dwyer, Robert Joseph. The Gentile Comes to Utah. Salt Lake City, Utah: Western Epics, 1971. $7.50. 

Green, N. W. Mormonism: Its Rise, Progress, and Present Condition. New York: AMS Press, 1971. $19.50. 

Hamblin, Jacob. Jacob Hamblin, a Narrative of his Personal Experience . . . Freeport, New York: Books for Libraries Press, 1971. Reprint of the 1881 edition.

Hickman, Bill. Brigham’s Destroying Angel, Being the Life, Confession, and Startling Dis closures of the Notorious Bill Hickman, the Danite Chief of Utah (1904). Freeport, New York: Books for Libraries Press, 1971. $11.50. 

Meyer, Eduard. Ursprung und Geschichte der Mormoner. Mit Exkursen u’ber die Anfange des Isldms und des Christentums. Hildesheim, New York, G. Olms, 1970. 

Smith, Lucy Mack. Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith The Prophet and his Progenitors for Many Generations. New York: Arno Press, 1971. $9.50. Reprint of 1853 edition. 

Stenhouse, T. B. H. Tell it All: The Tyranny of Mormonism, or an Englishwoman in Utah. New York: Praeger Publishers, 1971. $29.50. Reprint of 1880 edition. 

Stegner, Wallace. Gathering of Zion: The Story of the Mormon Trail. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1971. $3.50. (Paperback edition of earlier work). 

The Frederick Kesler Collection

During the past several months, a number of important manuscript collections have been acquired by the Special Collections Division of the J. Willard Marriott Library of the University of Utah. 

One of the most significant for the student of Mormon history is that of Frederick Kesler. Kesler was a resident of Augusta, Iowa, when the Mormons arrived at Nauvoo, a millwright who built mills for the Mormons from Iowa and Nebraska to Utah, a major in the Nauvoo Legion, and for forty-three years a bishop of the Sixteenth Ward in Salt Lake City. 

The Kesler Collection consists of fifteen Day Books and Account Books dating from 1840, missionary journals of the 1840s, twelve diaries dating from April 11, 1857 to June 12, 1899, correspondence (1837-1897) and photo graphs of family and close associates—including Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, and considerable memorabilia of Frederick Kesler and his family. Also in the collection are numerous pamphlets, broadsides, and other printed material, some of which may be unique. 

A few of the more unusual items are two different invitations to the “Pic-Nic Party at Big Cottonwood Canyon,” July 24, 1857; a revelation of Orson Hyde in Nauvoo directed against James J. Strang (1846); a revelation of John Taylor (October 13, 1882); General Joseph Smith’s Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States (Nauvoo, 1844); an address of Brigham Young, A Series of Instructions and Remarks . . . at a Special Council, March 24, 1858; Fast Day Proclamation (1889). 

Of all the items in the Kesler Collection, however, the prize would have to be a manuscript page of the Book of Mormon in the handwriting of David Witmer. The page is 1st Nephi Chapter 14. In a signed statement, Bishop Kesler relates how he acquired the document. According to him, it was removed from the cornerstone of the Nauvoo House in 1882 by Lewis Bilamon, second husband of Emma Smith, and presented to Joseph Summerhays on October 3, 1884. Sometime later the manuscript was obtained from Summerhays by Kesler. It remained in his possession and that of his heirs until the gift to the University of Utah Library. (For further details on the manuscript of the Book of Mormon, see Dean C. Jessee, “The Original Book of Mormon Manuscript,” B.Y.U. Studies [Spring, 1970].) 

When the Library acquired the Kesler Collection, the page was photographed, and then carried to the W. J. Barrow Laboratory in Richmond, Virginia, for deacidification and lamination. Photocopies are available from the Special Collections of the Library.