Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely Excellent!!
Review: This is nothing short of a magnum opus for Richard Abanes. I do not remember the last time I read a text so thoroughly researched than this tome. Every point of historical importance, every modicum of doctrine and ultimately every facet of Mormonism is covered and thoroughly analyzed.Abanes was fair in criticizing those non-Mormons who acted wrongly in their dealings with Mormons. At the same time he didn't flinch when it came time to expose the decades of deceit, violence, lawlessness, civil disobedience, sexual perversion, false theology, blatant racism, sexism, and outright brigandage perpetrated by the Mormon church. Just beneath the smiling face of Mormonism lurks a heritage of evil and a belief system so flawed that it defies the basics of human reason. The author did a fantastic job of describing the origins or Mormons and chronicled Joseph Smith's rise from obscurity to a self-proclaimed "Prophet." The analysis of how the Book of Mormon came in to being was particularly interesting. Far from being the divine revelation of God, the work is a pure fabrication spliced together from a variety of secular and religious text from the era. Each phase of the churches growth was described in a complete manner. I was surprised to find that the position of trying to pass off Mormonism as a denomination of Christianity is rather new (circa early-1990s). I took one star away from this book for Abanes' completely lackluster explanation of Biblical polygamy. The contrast between Mormon polygamy and that as practiced by Biblical figures is well defined and enlightening. However, Abanes chose to simply ignore the more difficult passages of the Bible that seem to support polygamy and instead gave the canned Evangelical answer to the subject. It was odd seeing this tired rehash of cobbled together theology in an otherwise spectacular work. In short, this book is not to be missed. I would go so far as to say every American should read this book. More importantly, every practicing member of the Mormon church should read a copy immediately. Their very soul may depend upon it.
Rating: 
Summary: accurate
Review: This book is one of the more accurate ones that I have read about the Mormon Church. Abanes does a good job explaining the history of the LDS church without using the LDS church's spin on things too much. Often, books on this subject use the LDS church's views on its history, which are biased to make the LDS church sound good. This book uses the actual court documents and history of the time. In addition, Abanes does a good job explaining the paranoia of many members when it comes to how people percieve thier church. Abanes does a good job explaining Utah's history with the Mormons. He does not mince words to make this church look good. I also liked the section on how he explains why Mormons are not Christians--Christians need to read this book. A good, thorough read on the subject matter. I recommend this book, albeit a pricey book, for a person looking for more on Mormonism.
Rating:
Summary: Investigation..
Review: You won't put it down. This book takes you deep into the life of Smith and his cronies and provides intimate details on his life, deeds, 'beliefs', etc., that are the basis of the Mormon system. It boggles the mind that this truth exists and yet seemingly intelligent people buy the Smith "story" lock stock and barrel. Read it, ask questions, conclude and move on.
Rating:
Summary: A vital piece of world history
Review: I would like shed light on how I believe this book is presented: Objective truth (i.e. reality, history, what actually has happened, etc.) is important. What you choose to believe because it is practical or convenient for you to believe it is irrelevant. the LDS church: Its function as a social club, the spiritual fullfillment it provides to its member, the kindness it inspires and it's wonderful focus on family values etc. I do not believe these aspects concern the author. A lie inspiring people to do "good" things does not become the truth by proxy. An evil action that inspires a "good" deed does not lose its wickedness through association with the good. The author never claims that measuring good outcomes against bad outcomes on scales of expediency will determine merit. The author cites one letter in which a Saint comes to realize that Joseph Smith's life was not an honorable one, but still longs to focus on the positives of the church : "...People must believe in something...Mormonism is probably the best conceived myth-fraternity to which one can belong...but why bother to refute [Joseph Smith] when all religion is based on myth...It would be like wiping out placebos in medicine." I believe what is truly at issue is whether or not placebos are adequate. I believe this book does an excellent job of forcing readers to look through the glasses of a mormon and personally choose whether they would satisfied by placebo-truth, regardless of their religious persuasion. This issue is tantamount to every endeavor, since our individual beliefs affect every choice we make. I am not suggesting that any of us has a completely accurate view of reality. However, what choice will you make when truth that does not comport with your view of reality is thrust upon you? Will you settle for placebo because the medicine is too uncomfortable?
Rating: 
Summary: I am a mormon
Review: I am saddened to see such contempt and disgust for a religion that has brought light and meaning to my life. I do not think I am better than anyone else because I am a Mormon, and I hope that you realize that a bad experience or two by Mormon families does not classify all the people of the church. The church is perfect: the people are not. All I can do is tell you that I have found the LDS church to be true for myself and it brings me happiness every day. I am grateful to my Savior Jesus Christ for all that I am and all that I have. I am an honest, educated person who respects all persons regardless of religion. So please do not condemn what you do not understand.
Rating:
Summary: One Nation Under Gods
Review: This is an incredible book. Anyone interested in the Mormon Church (Latter Day Saints of Jesus Christ) must read. This book is an in depth view behind the the scenes of the fastest growing religion. It is refeshing to read a book dedicated to the truth behind Joseph Smith and his early followers. If only modern day Saints were allowed to know the real story they might not consider Joseph Smith any more than a womenizing, money hungery, power seeking thief.
Rating:
Summary: Historical, Jouralistic treatment of LDS history
Review: I'm a non-LDS but am interested in the histories of how world religions affect society. This book is quite good for this purpose. Mr. Abanes only briefly approaches, in the chapter "Is Mormanism Christian?", an anti-LDS perspective where he is critical of LDS theology as divergent from mainstream Christianity. This chapter and the ill-chosen title would likely make this a difficult read for a person of LDS faith, and that is unfortunate. Mr. Abanes has an engaging, jouralistic style, and the book is well organized as a chronological history. I highly recommend this book for non-LDS readers, or to an open minded LDS audience, who can get past or simply skip over the sometimes insensitive treatment of matters of faith.
Rating:
Summary: Warning! This book could cost you your temple recommend!
Review: The history the "brethren" don't want people to know because it isn't "faith promoting". Abanes puts out a copious amount of work here, detailing point by point the valid criticism non- or ex-Mormons have about the church. Abanes work is easy to read while exhibiting excellent scholarship. This book is a must read for anyone who knows a Mormon, is a Mormon or is considering joining Mormonism. The claims of the Mormon church don't stand up well to reasoned criticism and this book provides plenty of that. I wish someone had given me this book while I was a Mormon.
Rating:
Summary: History The Church Does Not Teach
Review: Despite Mr. Abanes' obvious bias against the LDS church as an evangelical Christian, he crafts a scholarly look at the history, and particularly the separatist leanings of the Church known as Mormon. Generally, Abanes lets the well-documented and copiously foot-noted facts editorialize, but on occasion, Abanes does add his own two cents, which does not advance the book's objective.
A good read for any interested in an outside view of LDS church history.
Rating:
Summary: The real history of the mormon church
Review: Wow, what a great book. The book is well researched and heavily foot noted. I especially appreciate the author's including court documents and newspaper accounts from the time period to give a more truthful representation of Joseph Smith and his unscrupulous entourage. If you are looking for a honest and well written book on the history of the mormon church, look no further.
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