The Mormon puzzle, and how to solve it

The book offers a careful, early‑American investigation of what its author calls the “Mormon problem,” a question that dominated public discourse in the 1880s. Written by a Presbyterian pastor, it strives for a balanced view by consulting both Mormon and non‑Mormon sources, from contemporary newspapers to scholarly handbooks. The introduction sets the stage by describing the widespread misunderstanding and political intrigue surrounding the Utah settlement.

In the following chapters the author examines how short‑term visitors to Salt Lake City often left with wildly different impressions—some dazzled by the community’s industry and wealth, others alarmed by sensational rumors. By contrasting these polarized accounts, he attempts to map the social, economic, and religious forces at work and to suggest practical steps for a more informed public response. Listeners will hear a thoughtful, historically grounded portrait of a nation wrestling with faith, power, and the challenge of judging a rapidly growing movement.