Mapping Mormonism: An Atlas of Latter-Day Saint History

Plewe (geography, Brigham Young Univ.) presents an informative look into the history and evolution of the Mormon religion from its inception in the early 1800s until today. Each chapter introduction includes a time line listing important events, groups, and people along with their corresponding page numbers. These introductory portions also contain a map of the United States denoting key places discussed within the chapters and their corresponding page numbers. This unusual format makes the information in the chapters easily accessible. Chapters include “The Restoration,” “The Empire of Deseret,” “The Expanding Church,” and “Regional History.” Each entry features a concise heading, a set of dates, descriptive text, one or more maps, and, often, a more intricate time line than the one provided in the introductory materials. The maps track the forward progress of important Mormon leaders such as Joseph Smith. Colorful, strikingly detailed charts and diagrams, showing everything from the average length of a mission trip in the 19th century to the layout of the Mormon headquarters, appear throughout. Following the entries, a short glossary, a detailed bibliography, a comprehensive index, and photo credits appear.