Early Mormonism and the Magic World View

ISBN: 1560850892

Author: Quinn, D. Michael

Condition: New

In this ground-breaking book, D. Michael Quinn masterfully reconstructs an earlier age, finding ample evidence for folk magic in nineteenth-century New England, as he does in Mormon founder Joseph Smiths upbringing. Quinn discovers that Smiths world was inhabited by supernatural creatures whose existence could be both symbolic and real. He explains that the Smith familys treasure digging was not unusual for the times and is vital to understanding how early Mormons interpreted developments in their history in ways that differ from modern perceptions. Quinns impressive research provides a much-needed background for the environment that produced Mormonism.This thoroughly researched examination into occult traditions surrounding Smith, his family, and other founding Mormons cannot be understated. Among the practices no longer a part of Mormonism are the use of divining rods for revelation, astrology to determine the best times to conceive children and plant crops, the study of skull contours to understand personality traits, magic formula utilized to discover lost property, and the wearing of protective talismans. Ninety-four photographs and illustrations accompany the text.