77: Hidden History of the William Clayton Diaries w/ Bryan Buchanan
About this episode
This episode discusses the hidden history of the William Clayton Diaries and their significance in Mormon history.
Welcome to another episode of LDS Discussions! Today we are joined by Bryan Buchanan to discuss the William Clayton Diaries.For decades, the William Clayton Diaries have occupied a near-mythical place in Mormon history. Hidden away in the First Presidency vault, copied in secret, fought over in court, leaked to researchers, and cited in some of the most controversial debates surrounding Joseph Smith and plural marriage, these journals have one of the most fascinating histories of any historical document in the Latter-day Saint tradition. In this episode, we trace the remarkable journey of William Clatyon’s Nauvoo journals from the 1840s to the present day. We explore how historians such as James Allen, Dean Jessee, Leonard Arrington, Thomas Alexander, Andrew Ehat, Scott Faulring, and others gained access to these records, why the Church restricted them for so many years, and how copies eventually found their way into the hands of independent researchers and critics. We also examine the legal battle surrounding the journals, the role of Jerald and Sandra Tanner in publishing portions of them, the impact of the Mark Hofmann era, and the ongoing debates over access, transparency…
More episodes of LDS Discussions - Mormon Truth Claims Examined
- 78: Explosive History in the William Clayton Diaries w/ Bryan Buchanan
- 76: Did LDS Leaders Teach That Sexual Sin Is Next to Murder?
- 75: How LDS Apologists like Jasmin Rappleye Handle the Book of Abraham
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the LDS Discussions - Mormon Truth Claims Examined podcast page.