Saints Observed: Studies of Mormon Village Life, 1850-2005 serves as a comprehensive introduction to this second volume, which makes available four of the best Mormon village studies, all previously unpublished. These post-war village studies differ substantially from earlier village studies initiated by Nelson's work and offer in-depth investigations by observers who lived and participated in village life. Together, they capture in rich detail the day-to- day life of mid-century Mormon villagers. Editor Howard Bahr's afterword highlights changes in the four villages across the past half-century, drawing upon recent site visits, interviews, and texts.