Originally 1834 Eber D Howe more recently Signature Books with critical comments by Dan Vogel. 

Howe was a resident of Ohio, his interest heightened by his wife and her sister joining the sect. He details the birth of Mormonism, the central characters of whom his observations are unfavourable. He undertakes a critique of the Book of Mormon and various revelations from the Doctrine & Covenants. He frequently refers to adherents as ‘dupes’. Church leader Brigham H Roberts suggests this work represented the beginning of ‘Anti Mormon’ literature.

Howe’s work is an easy target by modern standards, it is partisan, it welcomes negative testimony and remembrance. However, I believe there are significant reasons to recommend it. 180 years ago Howe observed

Logic, reason and evidence will not deter followers who know by the power of the spirit the correctness of their faith and pronouncements of its leaders

Revelation was frequently preceded by a crisis

The content of the Book of Mormon represents 19th century Christianity, Howe cites Alexander Campbell’s observations in this respect

Howe obviously read the Book of Mormon several times, he criticised various sections of the Book through references to the Bible and applying critical thinking.

Howe helps present the mood of antagonism faced by Smith from within and outside the church. As a response to outside pressure he observes that many early church meetings were closed and secretive. He also highlights how Joseph by revelation commanded Martin Harris to be circumspect about his witness of the Book of Mormon. These latter observations were new to me. 

Overall I felt angry as I reflected on Howe’s book. Why? Because 180 years ago Howe knew of information that took me fifty years as a member to come across? There is no signposting of historical information in the ordinary diet of the co-ordinated teaching programme, conference talks, Ensign articles. I could have looked harder but I was unaware of the need, I and many others just accepted we were presented information in an even-handed way. The recent release of sensitive admissions ‘Gospel Topics Essays’ appeared without publicity.