Sarah M. S. Pearsall

Polygamy: An Early American History from Sarah M. S. Pearsall is a fascinating look at the history of polygamy in North America. This is an honest look at the hows and the whys of the practice without the moralizing that often comes with discussions of the topic. this is no more "pro-polygamy" than a researched book on the hows and whys of cannibalism is a "pro-cannibalism" book. Just because one doesn't insist on moralizing does not mean one is pro-anything, it means they expressed the facts and tried to explain why those actions were considered a good idea by those who practiced them. Anyway...

This is not too academic in writing style but definitely falls on that side of the spectrum. This is a history and since it is a history that has largely been overlooked Pearsall makes a point of being very clear and concise, which means an approach that approaches the academic tone many find off-putting. I will say that if you were hoping to be entertained as well as informed, this will probably still be worth your time but there will be sections that might seem dry to you.

The notes are a wonderful source for further reading and research. With many sources contemporaneous to the time, some resources may be difficult to find easily, but for anyone thinking of doing academic research they should be accessible enough.

While this is fascinating simply as history, I also found it interesting in light of the often touted, even though repeatedly disproved, "traditional marriage" argument. No doubt these people will claim this is "fake research" just as they spew "fake news" at every new treasonous event. But I digress.

I recommend this for anyone interested in social history as well as those simply interested in the history of specific practices or ideas. Not sure this really will be any more interesting to polygamists practicing today since the vast majority of the rationales of the past don't truly apply today. They may still find it interesting but not as any kind of support.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (mais)