William Alexander Linn (1846 – 1917) was an American journalist, historian, and author, known primarily for his critical writings on the history of the Latter Day Saint movement. While not extensive, his work, particularly 'The Story of the Mormons: From the Date of their Origin to the Year 1901' (1902), has been both lauded for its meticulous research and scrutinized for its perceived bias against Mormonism. Linn's historical approach combined direct narrative with a critical assessment of Mormon origins and doctrine, a method that provided a counterpoint to faith-based accounts of Latter Day Saint history. Although his scholarship is dated to the turn of the 20th century, Linn's book remains a cited work in the historiography of Mormonism, referenced for its detailed compilation of early Mormon documents and narratives. Lately, Linn's historical contributions were republished in 'The Essential LDS Collection', which aims to provide readers with comprehensive insights into the early days of the Latter Day Saint movement. Linn's literary style is characterized by a traditional historicist perspective, aiming for objectivity but marked by the author's skeptical viewpoint regarding his subject matter. His work is a particular resource for researchers seeking a non-denominational perspective of Mormon history during a time when most literary works on the subject were apologetic or polemical in nature.
William Alexander Linn (1846 – 1917) was an American journalist, historian, and author, known primarily for his critical writings on the history of the Latter Day Saint movement. While not extensive, his work, particularly 'The Story of the Mormons: From the Date of their Origin to the Year 1901'...