American Crucifixion: The Murder of Joseph Smith and the Fate of the Mormon Church

American Crucifixion chronicles the life and death of Mormon prophet Joseph Smith in 1844 Nauvoo, Illinois. Author Alex Beam reconstructs the tensions between Mormons and their neighbors that led to Smith's imprisonment and eventual murder. The book follows Smith's rise as a religious leader and his establishment of a Mormon settlement in Illinois after being driven out of Missouri. Through historical documents and contemporary accounts, Beam traces the political conflicts, religious controversies, and personal rivalries that surrounded Smith in his final days. The narrative examines key figures on all sides of the conflict, including Smith's inner circle, his opponents within the Mormon community, and the non-Mormon citizens who viewed his growing power with alarm. The events are placed within the broader context of 1840s frontier America and its religious movements. Through this historical episode, Beam explores enduring questions about religious freedom, the separation of church and state, and the sometimes volatile relationship between minority faiths and mainstream society. The book provides perspective on both 19th century America and contemporary religious tensions.

Readers note the book's balanced approach to a complex historical event, with both Mormon and non-Mormon reviewers appreciating Beam's neutrality in presenting multiple perspectives. Readers valued: - Clear narrative style that makes history accessible - Thorough research and extensive primary sources - Context of 1840s American religious movements - Even-handed treatment of both Smith's supporters and opponents Common criticisms: - Several factual errors about Mormon theology and history - Occasional sarcastic tone when discussing religious beliefs - Limited coverage of events after Smith's death - Some repetition and pacing issues in middle chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (280+ ratings) Multiple readers highlighted the book's engaging writing, with one Amazon reviewer noting it "reads like a thriller." Mormon readers frequently cited concerns about accuracy, with one Goodreads review identifying "at least 20 errors of fact" regarding church doctrine.

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🔹 Although Joseph Smith was killed by a mob in 1844, no one was ever convicted of his murder, despite there being over 200 people involved in the attack on Carthage Jail. 🔹 Author Alex Beam is not Mormon and had no previous connection to the faith, which allowed him to approach the subject as an outsider and write what many consider to be a more objective account of these events. 🔹 Smith was running for President of the United States at the time of his death, making him the first presidential candidate in American history to be assassinated. 🔹 The destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor newspaper press by Smith's orders—which exposed his practice of polygamy—was the immediate catalyst that led to his arrest and eventual murder. 🔹 The book reveals that Smith had 34 wives at the time of his death, ranging in age from 14 to 56, though this fact was actively denied by the Mormon Church until recent years.