Modern Perspectives on Nauvoo and the Mormons: Interviews with Long-Term Residents (Hard Cover Book) compiled by Larry E. Dahl and Don Norton
Item #0-8425-2526-2
During 1999, after the announcement of the intent to rebuild the Nauvoo Temple, there was much discussion in the town about why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would want to build such a large building in such a small place and what impact it might have on number of visitors to Nauvoo, as well as whether large numbers of Church members would come to settle in Nauvoo permanently, significantly affecting the political and cultural environment.

Those who have lived here for a long time and whose families were among the early residents have the best collective memory of the early history, or at least of the perceptions that have been passed down through the generations about what took place and why. Likely, they would also have strong feelings about what is happening now in Nauvoo and what the future portends for this quiet, beautiful little citly on a bend of the Mississippi. Hence, this oral history project took shape.

Twenty-seven persons were interviewed by BYU students under the auspices of a regular university class -- English 430R, "Editing for Publication." The oral history project was a good experience for the students. Hopefully, the project also provided a worthwhile experience for those who were interviewed and will do the same for those who read the book.Perhaps the book will encourage others to conduct similar projects to help preserve the history and culture of a generation, much of which will be lost if it is not recorded in some way. And what better way to record it than in the voices and language of the people who lived it!
$29.95