In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith

In Sacred Loneliness documents the lives of Joseph Smith's plural wives through historical research and primary sources. The book profiles 33 women who were sealed to the Mormon prophet during the Nauvoo period of the early 1840s. The text reconstructs biographical details about each wife - their backgrounds, relationships, daily experiences, and interactions within the Mormon community. Through letters, diaries, and contemporary accounts, it presents their perspectives on plural marriage and chronicles their paths both during Smith's lifetime and after his death. The work examines the doctrinal and social environment that gave rise to Mormon polygamy while maintaining focus on the women's individual stories. It tracks the development and implementation of plural marriage in Nauvoo and its impact on families and the broader community. At its core, this historical study explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and the complex intersection of religion and marriage in 19th century America. The personal narratives reveal the emotional and practical challenges these women faced as they navigated uncharted social and theological territory.

Readers note the extensive research and documentation, with many citing the detailed biographical accounts of Smith's wives as the book's strength. Mormon and non-Mormon readers describe it as thorough and well-sourced. Readers appreciate: - Personal narratives that humanize the wives - Inclusion of primary sources and letters - Balanced treatment of sensitive subject matter - Documentation of the wives' lives after Smith's death Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Too much speculation about relationships - Some readers question certain source interpretations - Price ($45-80) cited as barrier Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (507 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (168 ratings) Representative review: "Compton tells these women's stories with empathy while maintaining historical objectivity. The writing can be dry, but the research is impeccable." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers note they needed breaks while reading due to the emotional weight of the subject matter.

Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith by Linda King Newell This biography examines the life of Joseph Smith's first wife Emma, including her complex relationship with plural marriage and her later rejection of the practice.

No Man Knows My History by Fawn McKay Brodie This biographical study of Joseph Smith presents primary sources and historical documentation regarding his marriages, revelations, and the development of plural marriage in early Mormonism.

Wife No. 19 by Ann Eliza Young This first-hand account from Brigham Young's former plural wife details the practice of polygamy in early Utah and the experiences of women in plural marriages.

Mormon Sisters: Women in Early Utah by Claudia L. Bushman This collection of essays explores the lives of early Mormon women in Utah Territory, including their experiences with plural marriage and their roles in pioneer society.

More Wives Than One: Transformation of the Mormon Marriage System, 1840-1910 by Kathryn M. Daynes This historical analysis uses demographic data and primary sources to examine how plural marriage operated in practice among Mormon communities.

🔎 Todd Compton spent seven years researching and writing this book, examining personal journals, letters, and testimonies to document the lives of Joseph Smith's 33 plural wives. ⚜️ Several of Joseph Smith's wives were already married to other men at the time of their sealing to him, a practice known as polyandry. These women continued living with their first husbands while being spiritually married to Smith. 📖 The book won the Best Book Award from the Mormon History Association and the John Whitmer Historical Association in 1998. 👰 The youngest of Joseph Smith's plural wives was Helen Mar Kimball, who was 14 years old when she married him. The oldest was Fanny Young at 56 years old. 🗣️ After Joseph Smith's death in 1844, many of his plural wives were later married to Brigham Young or other prominent Mormon leaders, creating complex family networks within early Mormon society.