"D. Michael Quinn (1944-2021) was one of Mormonism's greatest historians, though his books have profound relevance to Utah and western history as well. After completing his doctorate in history at Yale University in an almost unprecedented three years, hetaught at Brigham Young University from 1976 to 1988. His attraction to difficult themes in Mormon history drew controversy which led to resignation from his academic position and eventual excommunication from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His large, elaborately documented books, such as his three volumes on the Mormon hierarchy and his Early Mormonism and the Magic World View, set a new standard for Mormon historical scholarship"--