Mormonism Unveiled; Including the Remarkable Life and Confessions of the Late Mormon Bishop, John D. Lee; (Written by Himself.) and Complete Life of Brigham Young, Embracing a History of Mormonism from Its Inception Down to the Present Time, with an Exposition of the Secret History, Signs, Symbols, and Crimes of the Mormon Church. Also the True History of the Horrible Butchery Known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
St. Louis: Moffat Publishing Company, 1881. Hard Cover. Good / No Jacket. Item #2353151
Boards a bit rubbed with fore edge corners exposed, front free endpaper removed, front and end matter lightly foxed, pencil name on front flyleaf. Binding tight and square, text clean and unmarked.
xiv, [15]-406 pp. 8vo. While billed as a history of Mormonism including the personal writings of Mormon bishop John D. Lee, this is more properly described as a confession. Lee was arrested, tried, and executed for his role in the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857, which resulted in the murder of at least 120 travelers on their way to California from Arkansas. His writings detail these events, as well as a number of problematic practices within the Mormon church. "In chronicling his years as a member of the church, Lee discusses how he came to meet and associate with Joseph Smith: the founder and prophet of Mormonism. The processes by which the charismatic Smith drew in followers is catalogued. Personal habits, including the notorious practice of polygamy where he would take multiple wives, are mentioned. Lee himself partook enthusiastically in polygamy, taking a total of 19 wives and siring some 56 children. After Joseph Smith's death at the hands of an angry mob in 1844, Brigham Young assumed control of the Mormon Church. It was under Young that several of the most controversial schemes associated with Mormonism entailed. For his part John D. Lee became an enforcer, carrying out orders from Brigham Young in appropriating belongings of fellow Mormons, such as cattle from impoverished ranchers."
Price: $150.00