Fanny Stenhouse

Fanny Stenhouse (1829-1904) was a 19th-century author known primarily for her critical writings about Mormon polygamy and life in Utah Territory during the early years of the Mormon settlement. Born in England, Stenhouse converted to Mormonism with her husband T.B.H. Stenhouse in 1851, and they later immigrated to Utah. After becoming disillusioned with the Mormon church, particularly its practice of plural marriage, both she and her husband left the faith in 1870. Her most influential work was "Tell It All: The Story of a Life's Experience in Mormonism" (1874), a memoir that provided detailed accounts of Mormon practices and social life in Utah. The book became a significant example of the "anti-Mormon" literature genre that emerged in the late 19th century. Stenhouse's writings were particularly notable for their firsthand observations of Mormon society and their influence on public opinion regarding polygamy in the United States. Her work contributed to the growing national debate about Mormon practices and helped shape federal policies toward Utah Territory.

Reader reviews focus on Stenhouse's detailed firsthand accounts of life in early Mormon Utah. Many readers appreciate her personal perspective as both a former insider and critic of the Mormon church. What readers liked: - Direct observations of Mormon culture and practices - Clear writing style that balances personal experience with historical documentation - Insights into women's experiences with polygamy - Inclusion of primary sources and letters What readers disliked: - Some repetitive sections - Victorian-era writing style can feel dense - Questions about potential bias in her accounts - Limited historical context in some areas On Goodreads, "Tell It All" maintains a 3.8/5 rating from 108 reviews. Reader comments highlight its value as a historical document, though modern readers note the dated writing style. Amazon reviews (4.2/5 from 56 reviews) praise Stenhouse's courage in publishing her experiences but mention the book's length as a potential obstacle. One Goodreads reviewer notes: "An important historical account, despite its clear agenda against the Mormon church."

Tell It All (1874) A memoir detailing Stenhouse's experiences as a Mormon convert in England and Utah, her subsequent disillusionment with the faith, and her observations of polygamy in the Mormon community.

An Englishwoman in Utah (1880) A revised version of "Tell It All" focusing specifically on the author's life in Utah Territory and her critical examination of Mormon practices and social structures.

Ann Eliza Young wrote exposés about life as Brigham Young's wife and documented her experiences leaving the Mormon church in the 1870s. Her memoir "Wife No. 19" covers similar themes to Stenhouse's work about Mormon polygamy and disillusionment.

Martha Hughes Cannon chronicled her experiences as a plural wife in Utah Territory during the late 1800s. Her writings provide firsthand accounts of Mormon women's lives and religious practices during the same period Stenhouse wrote about.

Augusta Joyce Crocheron published biographical sketches and poetry about Mormon pioneer women in the 1880s. Her collection "Representative Women of Deseret" documents many of the same social circles and historical figures mentioned in Stenhouse's work.

Maria Ward wrote "Female Life Among the Mormons" detailing her observations of polygamy and Mormon society in the 1850s. Her narrative style and subject matter parallel Stenhouse's approach to documenting Mormon practices.

Sarah Barringer Gordon analyzes the legal and social history of Mormon polygamy in the 19th century through academic works. Her research provides historical context for the personal experiences described in Stenhouse's writings.