
This biography follows the remarkable life of a 19th‑century American religious visionary who claimed to restore ancient truths amid a young nation still finding its identity. From his modest upbringing on the frontier to the moment he reported a series of divine revelations, the narrative traces his formation of a new faith community, his charismatic leadership, and the intense opposition he faced from both local authorities and broader society. The early chapters reveal his marriage, the translation of sacred texts, and the energetic missionary work that quickly spread his message across the Midwest.
The work is written from the perspective of a contemporary who endured imprisonment for his loyalty to the same cause, lending a personal and urgent tone to the account. It balances reverent admiration with careful documentation, offering listeners a vivid sense of the trials, the theological fervor, and the enduring hope that drove the movement’s founders. Those interested in American religious history will find a clear, compassionate portrait of a man whose legacy continues to inspire debate.
Language
en
Duration
~17 hours (1023K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by the Mormon Texts Project (MormonTextsProject.org), with thanks to Katie Liston and David Cramer
Release date
2019-07-23
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1827–1901
A lively force in 19th-century Mormon history, this English-born immigrant became a publisher, missionary, politician, and senior church leader whose journals and public work capture a fast-changing American West. His life joined faith, print culture, and politics in a way that still makes him a fascinating figure.
View all books