Homeward to Zion: The Mormon Migration from Scandinavia; by William Mulder; University of Minnesota Press/BYU Press; 375 pages; $19.45.
Between 1850 and 1905, some 30,000 LDS converts from Norway, Sweden and Denmark emigrated to Utah. They left enough records that it is possible to tell an extraordinarily complete story of their conversions and their immigration to the western American desert. Mormon doctrine imposed the need not only of conversion but of gathering to Utah.
This year is the 150th anniversary of the introduction of Mormonism into Scandinavia, so it is appropriate that William Mulder's classic work on the Mormon migration has been reprinted. Mulder, a greatly respected and eloquent teacher and writer, was himself an emigrant from Holland as a young boy and wrote this work originally as his doctoral dissertation at Harvard University in 1956.
After it was published by the University of Minnesota Press, it remained a vital part of the lexicon for those studying Scandinavian or Mormon history for the next 44 years.
The author has told a fascinating story in great detail without losing the religious zeal and emotional connections felt by the converts. Although he has superbly documented the book, Mulder has also produced a moving, panoramic history that is compelling not only for its human accounts but for its appealing novelistic style.
Mulder is unquestionably a gifted writer who makes history interesting.
Today's visitors to Norway, Sweden and Denmark are bound to look around at the lush green fields and the beautiful architecture and shorelines, and then ask themselves, "Why would anyone want to leave such lush surroundings and travel over 5,000 miles to a desert Zion?" Well, economic realities at the time made any message of immigration more attractive. Plus, there were thousands who were spiritually touched by a religious message that promised a better life not only in the hereafter, but right now.
Nevertheless, immigration is arduous, and many of those who converted to Mormonism (Mulder estimates one-third) eventually either left the church or went back home. In fact, immigration scholars say as many as one-fourth of Scandinavians who immigrated to any part of America were eventually disillusioned, and many returned to their homes.
But the dynamic two-thirds who helped populate Utah and the West not only retained their Scandinavian roots and culture but helped the Mormon faith grow and expand and become a church of stability. Today, Utah is known for the proliferation of Scandinavian culture, and the LDS Church has seen many of its most beloved leaders emerge from Scandinavian roots.
BYU Press should be complimented for producing an attractive paperback book, accented by the stunning painting by Danish C.C.A. Christensen, maps and terrific historical photos. The only item that mars the new book is the publisher's statement on the back that mistakenly includes Finland among the Scandinavian countries, when in fact it is Nordic.
E-MAIL: dennis@desnews.com