From Historian to Dissident: The Book of John Whitmer is the earliest commissioned history of Mormonism, published for the first time in its entirety from the original manuscript. Although Whitmer's belief and commitment never waned, his trust in the church's leadership did. He was excommunicated in 1838. Thereafter his record took on a decidedly antagonistic tone.

Best known as a witness to Joseph Smith's gold plates, Whitmer served as a Book of Mormon scribe, Messenger and Advocate editor, and member of the Missouri stake presidency. An eye-witness to the most important events of the Restoration, his unflagging honesty lends unusual significance to his work.

Bruce N. Westergren, editor of From Historian to Dissident: The Book of John Whitmer, holds M.A. degrees in history and library science from Brigham Young University. He has published in the Journal of American Culture and elsewhere and is the recipient of a Best Article Award from the Utah Historical Society. He is employed in the news clipping industry, serves on the Orem City Preservation Commission, and does freelance historical research.