Review
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Title: People of Paradox: A History of Mormon Culture
Author: Terryl L. Givens
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Genre: Non-fiction
Year Published: 2007
Number of Pages: 414
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0-19-516711-5
Price: $29.95

Reviewed by Nicholas S. Literski

One might understandably smile at an author who promises a "history of Mormon culture" within a single volume. After all, scholars have reasonably claimed that Mormonism has spawned not only a culture, but an ethnicity. While author Terryl L. Givens readily acknowledges that the breadth of Mormon culture goes far beyond what he can treat, he has produced an impressive and thought provoking introduction.

Given frames his exploration by identifying four "paradoxes" in Mormon society: authority and radical freedom, searching and certainty, the sacred and the banal, and election and exile. The strongest part of the volume devotes a chapter to each of these perceived tensions. I must admit that after viewing Givens' extensive statements in the recent PBS production of "The Mormons," I expected that this book would be a sort of group hagiography. Instead, I found myself truly impressed by Givens' unflinching, insightful discussion. With this volume, Givens establishes himself as a friendly, but frank observer of his own culture, in the vein of (perhaps even surpassing) Hugh Nibley.

Givens subsequently divides Mormon culture into pre and post-1890 periods, examining a variety of cultural expressions, such as literature, architecture, theatre and visual arts. In each case, Givens demonstrates that these fields of endeavor have been shaped within Mormonism by the four paradoxes already identified. Furthermore, Givens shows the complex interplay of leadership, members, and outsiders in shaping each of these arenas.

This work is not without areas for improvement. Minor historical errors appear throughout the book, which, while not important to Givens' argument, can be jarring to readers familiar with Mormon history. In addition, Givens points to challenging statements or actions of LDS leaders, yet becomes timid when it comes to identifying the source. Givens often provides this information in endnotes, but on several occasions he cites only generalities such as "an LDS apostle," leaving readers unable to investigate further. This is particularly the case with living authorities.

These concerns should not, however, be taken as major criticisms of Givens' work. Even with its flaws, this book represents the future of Mormon scholarly studies. Givens has provided profound insights into his own faith. He has done so in a manner that honors his own committment to Mormonism, while satisfying serious scholars, including "outsiders." His work educates those outside the Mormon faith tradition. Perhaps more importantly, however, this volume provides Mormons with a greater understanding of how their faith shapes their way of life. For this, Givens deserves sincere applause.

This isn't Nick -- he's forgotten his log in info for this board. He does inform me that he wishes he had kept more detailed notes as he read. He'll try to come up with some examples, but right now he's not able to get to it.

Sorry!