Americanist Approaches to The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is a sacred text of a global religious movement with historical significance. This volume brings together scholars from various fields to establish it as an indispensable object of Americanist inquiry, exploring its literary form, historical vision, and its creative, critical reading of America.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 08 October 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The Book of Mormon, as the revered scripture of a contemporary religious movement with a worldwide impact, holds undeniable historical significance. This remarkable volume demonstrates that the significance of this text is intricately linked to the complexity of its literary structure and the audacity of its historical vision. This landmark collection brings together a diverse array of scholars from the fields of American literary studies and related disciplines to establish The Book of Mormon as an indispensable subject of Americanist inquiry. Notably, it stands as a unique form of Americanist inquiry in its own right, serving as a creative and critical exploration of America. By employing formalist criticism, literary and cultural theory, book history, religious studies, and even anthropological fieldwork, Americanist Approaches to The Book of Mormon unveils the full breadth and profound resonances of this American Bible like never before.

The Book of Mormon's historical significance lies in its role as a sacred text within a modern religious movement that has transcended national boundaries. Its literary form, characterized by humor, satire, and parody, challenges traditional religious narratives and provides a fresh perspective on American culture and society. The play's satirical portrayal of Mormon missionaries and their interactions with various communities in the United States has sparked both critical acclaim and controversy.

One of the key aspects of The Book of Mormon's historical significance is its ability to challenge preconceived notions and stereotypes about religion and American culture. The play employs humor and satire to subvert religious beliefs and practices, while also critiquing the societal norms and values of American society. Through its witty and irreverent storytelling, The Book of Mormon offers a critical examination of the intersection of religion, politics, and culture in contemporary America.

The play's historical vision is also noteworthy. It presents a fictionalized account of the origins of the Mormon religion and its journey to the United States. While the play is based on a fictional narrative, it incorporates historical elements and characters from the Mormon community. This combination of fact and fiction allows the play to explore the complexities of religious conversion, cultural assimilation, and the challenges faced by immigrants in a new land.

The Book of Mormon has had a significant impact on the field of American literary studies. It has challenged traditional notions of what constitutes literature and has opened up new avenues for critical analysis. The play's innovative use of language, humor, and satire has inspired a generation of writers and playwrights
The Book of Mormon's historical significance cannot be overstated. As a sacred text within a modern religious movement of global reach, it has left an indelible mark on American culture and society. Its literary form, audacity, and critical vision have established it as an indispensable object of Americanist inquiry, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of religion, politics, and culture in contemporary America. Through its witty and irreverent storytelling, The Book of Mormon challenges preconceived notions and stereotypes, offering a critical examination of the intersection of religion, politics, and culture in contemporary America. Its historical vision provides a fictionalized account of the origins of the Mormon religion and its journey to the United States, incorporating historical elements and characters from the Mormon community. The play's impact on the field of American literary studies has been significant, inspiring a generation of writers and playwrights. Its innovative use of language, humor, and satire has opened up new avenues for critical analysis and has challenged traditional notions of what constitutes literature. As a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring relevance of religious texts in modern society, The Book of Mormon continues to captivate audiences and inspire critical discourse.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190221935