American Mormon historian (1944-2021), excommunicated from the LDS Church in 1993 for his scholarly work. Known for meticulous archival research producing revisionist accounts of early Mormonism, particularly on folk magic, polygamy, and the institutional history of the Church. One of the most consequential and controversial Mormon historians.
Produced landmark archival scholarship on early Mormon history, particularly demonstrating the deep roots of folk magic and treasure-seeking in early LDS culture and Joseph Smith's milieu. His work fundamentally shaped how Mormon history is understood outside the faith.
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