Images of the New Jerusalem: Latter Day Saint Faction Interpretations of Independence, Missouri [Hardcover]

The promising task of this project is to employ cultural geography for interpreting Independence, MO, as sacred space from the millennial viewpoints of different Latter-day Saint (or generically Mormon) groups -- Choice.

The grasp of nuances of Latter Day Saint doctrines and teachings in this book is impressive -- Ethan Yorgason, Brigham Young University Hawaii.

...extensive documentation and maps and illustrations.... Includes plot maps for the city of Zion throughout the book and various illustrations of the Temple Lot through the years reflecting the different purchases -- Kansas City Public Library.

Independence [Missouri] offers a...neglected example of the development of American sacred space, one that Campbell mines effectively. ...Campbell juggles a variety of geographic and religious phenomena; and he does so quite successfully -- Journal of Historical Geography.

Unveils the city's little-known significance to Joseph Smith, who prophesied that Jesus Christ would return in millennial glory there -- Publisher's Weekly.

The religious ecology among Latter Day Saint churches allows each group its place in the public spotlight, and a number of sociopolitical mechanisms reduce conflict among them. Nonetheless, Independence has developed many traits of the world's most seasoned and conflicted sacred places over a relatively short time. This book opens the field of scholarship on this region, where profound spatial and doctrinal variation continues -- from the publisher's online description, The University of Tennessee Press.

Images of the New Jerusalem is well-researched, well-documented, and well-written. It's chock-full of information. While I may not agree with all in the book, I couldn't put it down. ...Campbell did a superb job of telling the story of the historic undertaking of the New Jerusalem...I found the book compelling.... -- Sherrie Kline Smith for Tidings of Zion of the Conference of Restoration Elders.

Campbell demonstrates the relevance of his study far beyond the realm of those interested only in Mormon history; cultural geographers, religious studies scholars, and American historians all may beneficially relate to his insightful work. ...Campbell does a credible job discerning the times as well as offering alternative futures for the religiously contested space. -- Ron Romig and David J. Howlett, Journal of Mormon History.

Campbell has obviously done an incredible amount of research. ...These [seven] chapters are more narrative-driven and relate the history of LDS and RLDS Churches as well as their views of Independence. Campbell provides a great deal about each of the smaller splinter groups and their histories. ...the vast majority of the book has a fairly clear chonological narrative for the reader to follow. -- John Whitmer Historical Association Journal.

While it is a geographical study, written by a professor of geography, I found the book fascinating and a great contribution to Mormon History. Campbell...includes many intriguing excerpts from books, newspapers, and folklore stories to demonstrate the different views. Images of the New Jerusalem is a real gem that has been overlooked. -- Juvenile Instructor online.

A rich manuscript.... The author does an examplary job of identifying the tensions that exist among believers today while speculating on what Independence really means in today's international church. As a geographical study it is a new framework in which to explore Mormon history -- BYU Studies.