Some have argued that Mormonism began with a book, the Book of Mormon.
This printed beginning quickly spawned a prolific amount of published
material both expounding and defending early doctrines of the
Latter-day Saints.
Between 1836 and 1860 about ninety Church members authored a variety
of written works. Although many publications were based on the writings
of Parley P. Pratt and Orson Pratt, some represented original ideas.
Most pamphlets grew from missionary efforts, but others countered
anti-Mormon literature then in circulation. In promoting truth, Mormons
found the press to be a powerful weapon.
These early pamphlets developed from the interactions of Church
members with themselves, their message, and their neighbors. "As
Mormonism grew," David Whittaker explains, "the press became a key
element in providing the institutional glue for helping to hold
together this dynamic social and religious movement."
Whittaker's dissertation explores the rise and development of pamphlet literature during the Church’s formative years.