The tale [of Mormon origins and its history through Smith’s death] is so dramatic, eerie, violent, erotic, and steeped in the pioneer spirit–so downright American–that is surely would have become a staple of pop culture but for the disconcerting insistence of Mormons that it all really happened.

That is my favorite selection.

I wonder what he finds most disconcerting. (I feel the attitude of the author here more than the people he is presumably speaking of in the “pop culture.” It would have better served the author to cite examples of reactions from both friend and foe, contemporary reactions as well, rather than to make these generalized assertions.) Is it the gold plates and angelic manifestations? The miraculous healings? Polygamy? A political Kingdom of God?

I see generalists quote Brooke all the time. I always wonder if they’ve actually read his book. I remember it as rather hard to get through (not to mention unconvincing). I wouldn’t quite lump Brodie into the same category. Hers at least a thoughtful engagement with Smith and something I still recommend to students unfamiliar with Mormonism (in conjunction with Rough Stone Rolling). Did McDougall not cite Bushman? That seems unforgiveable in a 2008 book.

bargain basement psycho-historical approach

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I’m curious about the courting martyrdom theme. i don’t know the utah period well. was that argued a lot there? the early explanations were that he was megalomanic rather than intentionally martyrish.

I suppose Moore might be the first person to have formally argued about the courting of martyrdom, but the “Joseph was asking for it” theme certainly predates Religious Outsiders and the Making of Americans.