Sandra Tanner

Jerald and Sandra Tanner's most comprehensive and revealing work on Mormonism. Writing in the October 1990 Sunstone, book dealer Curt Bench compiled "A list of the books which have had a significant influence on the development of Mormon history, theology, and literature." The Tanners' Mormonism-Shadow or Reality? was listed among the 50 important books on Mormonism in the first 150 years (1830-1980). Mormonism-Shadow or Reality?

A nice précis of the Smith family's connection to folk magic, medieval magick, and money digging. Calling saints, magic charms, pentacles, etc. All very convincing that Joe Smith was a charlatan who relied on un-Biblical magic.

As a discussion of doctrinal history of the Mormons, this work is a real achievement in scholarship. A search for truth, no mater of what world, will continue. The Tanners are to be commended whether freely or reluctantly, for having had the courage to assist in that search. A book appealing to Mormons and non-Mormons alike.