I am indebted to many who have researched and written on the Nauvoo Temple. The diaries and writings of Brigham Young, William Clayton, and Heber C. Kimball, as well as the History of the Church, compiled by B. H. Roberts, have been particularly valuable sources. Special recognition must also be given to the voluminous research and unpublished writings of James Earl Arrington. His contributions on this area of Church history are very significant.

The most valuable collections of materials and original sources on this subject have been found in the Church History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Special Collections Section of the Brigham Young University Library. Other helpful sources have been the Bancroft Library at the University of California and the University of Utah Library in Salt Lake City. I am indebted to the staffs and personnel at each of these libraries for their courteous and helpful assistance. Several individuals from the Church History Library and Archives deserve special recognition: Scott Christensen for his encouragement, interest, and very helpful assistance; Ronald G. Watt for his close collaboration and assistance in finding resources; Bill Slaughter for his help in acquiring illustrations; and Ron Barney for his encouragement and assistance with resources. Special thanks also to Randall Dixon, Linda Haslam, Veneese Nelson, and April Williamson for their cheerful and helpful service. Thanks also to Donald L. Enders, a senior curator of historic sites for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for his encouragement, consultation, and helpful contribution of information.

I would also like to extend appreciation to those who provided resources and assistance in refining the manuscript. To Dr. Kenneth Godfrey, who read the entire manuscript and provided valuable insights, criticism, and resources, his assistance is most appreciated. To James Kimball Jr., who read some chapters and provided helpful critique and direction to other valuable sources of information, his interest, encouragement, and assistance was very helpful. Also, to my wife, Delsa, who read and evaluated all of the chapters, along with typing some portions of the manuscript. In addition, to our granddaughters Sara and Amy, who each read several chapters, offering their helpful suggestions and criticisms.

I am particularly grateful to Roger Jackson, Steve Goodwin, and Gerald Tim Maxwell, architects of the FFKR architectural firm (architects assigned to the Nauvoo Temple reconstruction project) for their helpful assistance and collaboration on this project. Steve and Tim also read and critiqued those chapters concerning the external and internal features of the temple. They provided helpful insights and suggestions, and Steve unselfishly prepared several illustrations for publication. Special recognition is also given to F. Keith Stepan, managing director of the Temple Construction Department, and to Robert T. Dewey, Church architect assigned to oversee the Nauvoo Temple reconstruction project. Their consultation and helpful cooperation in obtaining approval for the use of illustrations are most appreciated.

Special thanks and appreciation is also extended to Dr. Kent P. Jackson and Dr. Richard Draper, directors, and to their staff at the Brigham Young University Religious Studies Center for their assistance in preparing the manuscript for publication, especially the work of Charlotte Pollard, Peter Christopherson, Peter Jasinski, Mary Nielson, Rex Nielson, H. L. Rogers, Rob Schwartz, and Devan Jensen.